Norway is expelling 15 Russian diplomats suspected of espionage while working at the Russian embassy in Oslo, the Norwegian government announced on Thursday.
/nginx/o/2023/04/13/15254308t1h9721.jpg "Abroad Today, 17:06 Norway expels 15 Russian diplomats for espionage 17")
Norway is expelling 15 Russian diplomats suspected of espionage while working at the Russian embassy in Oslo, the Norwegian government announced on Thursday.
The move is “an important measure to counter Russian intelligence activities in Norway and limit their scope, thereby serving Norway’s national interests,” Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfelt said.
Russians declared as undesirable persons “must leave Norway in a short time”, the minister said, adding that Norway “will not grant visas to intelligence officers”.
The activities of the expelled Russians “are not compatible with their diplomatic status,” the Norwegian government said.
The minister emphasized that Oslo wants “normal diplomatic relations with Russia and that Russian diplomats are welcome in Norway”.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already warned that Moscow will respond to this step by Norway, Russian propaganda media TASS and “RIA Novosti” report.
A year ago, Norway expelled three Russian diplomats who were also accused of espionage.
Last year, a person who used a false identity and worked for a Russian intelligence service was arrested in Norway.
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