Additionally, we are closing our consulate general in Saint Petersburg and the Russian Trade Office in Amsterdam. 2/2
— Wopke Hoekstra (@WBHoekstra) February 18, 2023
DW: The Netherlands expel Russian diplomats, close trade mission
The Dutch move to kick out a number of Russian diplomats was sparked by concerns over espionage but is also based on a row over diplomatic visas.
The Netherlands on Saturday ordered "a number'' of Russian diplomats to leave the country within two weeks.
Russia's trade office in Amsterdam would also have to close by Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Minister Wopke Hoekstra said.
He accused Russia of trying to post spies in the Netherlands, which is also home to international institutions, including the International Criminal Court and the global chemical weapons watchdog OPCW.
"Russia keeps trying to secretly get intelligence agents into the Netherlands under cover of diplomacy. We cannot and shall not allow that," Hoekstra said.
Read more ....
Update #1: Russian diplomats ordered out of the Netherlands (AP)
Update #2: Netherlands orders Russian diplomats to leave (Al Jazeera)
WNU Editor: The Kremlin says it will respond .... Netherlands orders Russian embassy to downsize, Moscow says it will respond (Reuters).
3 comments:
Here is the quote.
Russia keeps trying to secretly get intelligence agents into the Netherlands under cover of diplomacy. We cannot and shall not allow that," Hoekstra said.
What did he expect, real diplomats?
Depending on the targeted counties importance to the owning embassy, you can have up to 10% of the posted personnel, working for some type of intel agency.
This is a good event. I hope more of it happens.
There's Zoom, now. Fight global warming with Zoom. Why drive or fly?
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