Greece ‘regrets’ Russia’s decision to expel 8 diplomats

By Busra Nur Cakmak

ANKARA (AA) - Greece on Monday expressed “deep regret” over Russia’s decision to expel Greek diplomats.

“We express our deep regret for the decision of the Russian authorities to declare eight members of the Greek Embassy in Moscow, as well as the Consulate General in Moscow, as personae non grata,” said a Greek Foreign Ministry statement.

“There is no basis for the decision of the Russian authorities to expel members of the staff of the Greek diplomatic and consular authorities in Russia,” it added.

The Greek Embassy in Moscow and consular authorities in Russia “will continue to make every effort with all means at their disposal in order to continue to carry out their mission under particularly adverse conditions,” the ministry said.

Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced expelling eight Greek diplomats over what it called "confrontational course" toward Moscow, including arms deliveries to Ukraine and the expulsion of Russian diplomats from Greece.