Moscow calls expulsion of 15 Russian diplomats from Norway 'deliberate escalation of hostility'

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - The expulsion of 15 Russian diplomats from Norway is a “deliberate escalation of hostility" against Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

In a statement, Maria Zakharova, the ministry spokeswoman, said that “no specific claims were made” against the expelled diplomats, instead, the Norwegian media “launched a smear campaign about alleged espionage activities.”

“There is no doubt that media campaign at the suggestion of the central authorities and special services and under influence from outside was a pre-planned action in order to justify an additional aggravation of relations with Russia, which are already at a low point," Zakharova said.

“Norway is increasingly confirming its status as a state hostile to Russia. These actions will not go unanswered on our part, we will implement a tough response,” she said.

The Norwegian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday declared 15 Russian diplomats “persona non grata,” claiming they were “intelligence officers” who were engaged “in activities that are not compatible with their diplomatic status.”