Russia ‘regrets’ Italy’s expulsion of diplomats on ‘espionage’ charge
Russia’s Foreign Ministry has expressed its regret for Italy’s decision to expel two Russian diplomats on the grounds that they were ‘spies.’
“We express regret over the expulsion of two staff members of the Russian Embassy from Rome,” TASS quoted the foreign ministry as stating on Wednesday.
The decision by the Italian government, the Kremlin said, “does not correspond to the level of bilateral relations.”
Earlier in the day, Italy announced the “immediate expulsion” of the two diplomats in the wake of the arrest of an Italian navy captain accused of giving out “confidential documents” to a Russian military officer in exchange for money.
The frigate captain, who reportedly worked at the office of Chief of the Defense Staff, was arrested on spying charges after a “clandestine meeting” with the Russian late on Tuesday in Rome, Italy’s police said in a statement.
The Russian Foreign Ministry says it will announce its “possible next steps” in regard to the expulsion.
Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio summoned Russia’s Ambassador Sergey Razov on Wednesday morning to lodge a formal protest. The minister notified the ambassador of the “immediate expulsion of the two Russian officials involved in this very serious affair.”
Italy is one of the countries within the European Union and a NATO member with the warmest relations with Russia.
Russia’s Embassy in Rome has said, “In any case, we hope that what happened will not affect the bilateral relationship between Russia and Italy.”
Russia: Comprehensive deal with Iran will include defense, security ties
Putin vows more test of new hypersonic missile
Russia launches 'ICBM' for first time against Ukraine: Kiev
Lindsey Graham threatens to sanction US allies backing ICC arrest warrants
VIDEO | Tens of thousands of Catalans protest to demand access to better housing
Israel launches air strikes on Syria-Lebanon border crossing
Russia: Comprehensive deal with Iran will include defense, security ties
VIDEO | Israeli embassy shooting in Jordan leaves gunman dead, 3 police injured
VIDEO | Paris march in support of Palestine women
VIDEO | ICC issues arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister, ousted regime war minister
120 Palestinians perish as Israeli war machine keeps ravaging Gaza
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
