Moscow
Moscow’s reaction to the expulsion of Russian diplomats from the Czech Republic was more serious than expected, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Hamacek said on Monday, adding that a deputy ambassador is among 20 embassy staffers expelled from Russia.
‘The reaction was very strong, it was one step higher, because the most senior deported person was the deputy ambassador.
The fact that he was expelled is a situation to which the Czech Republic must respond,’ Hamacek said, as quoted by the Novinky.cz news outlet.
Hamacek added that he plans to discuss Prague’s further steps with Prime Minister Andrej Babis.
On Saturday, Hamacek announced the expulsion of 18 Russian diplomats on suspicion of being officers of Russia’s special services.
They were obliged to leave the country within 48 hours. —Agencies
