▲ German Foreign Minister Heiko Mas
Countries in the European Union condemned Russia’s improper action for deporting diplomats from Germany, Sweden and Poland on Tuesday (local time) and warned they would respond if they do not reconsider.
According to AFP and Reuters, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on the day that “we see this deportation as unfair.” “This shows that Russia is far from the rule of law.”
German Foreign Minister Heiko Mas said in a statement that “Russia’s decision to expel some EU diplomats is unjust and will further undermine relations with Europe.”
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tas said, protested against the Russian ambassador in the country and called for a review of the decision, otherwise it would discuss with other EU member states and warn that there would be a corresponding action.
The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs also told AFP that Russia’s decision was “absolutely unfounded” and that it has the right to respond appropriately.
French President Emmanuel Macron has “condemned very strongly” Russia’s actions in relation to Navalni, from Navalni’s poisoning and arrest to the expulsion of diplomats from EU countries.
Earlier that day, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a deportation order for Swedish, Polish and German diplomats in their home countries as diplomatic evades.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained the reasons for the deportation that they took part in illegal protests calling for the release of Russian opposition activist Alexey Navalni.
Russia’s announcement came amid a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, a senior EU foreign and security policy representative, Josef, who visited Moscow to discuss issues of improvement of mutual relations and cooperation.
Borel says he strongly condemns Russia’s deportation of diplomats.
Navalni, one of President Vladimir Putin’s representative static, collapsed while on a flight in August last year, showing signs of poisoning, and was treated in Germany.
Western countries, including the EU, are criticizing Navalni, calling for immediate release.
(Photo = Getty Image Korea)