Russian President Vladimir Putin. (photo No. 9)
According to Radio 9, a number of Western countries recently launched a mass expulsion of Russian diplomats, including Australia. In response, Russia asked two Australian diplomats to leave the country within a week.
It is reported that the large-scale expulsion of Russian diplomats by Western countries stems from the attack by Russian spy (Sergei Skripal) and his daughter, Yulia (Yulia Skripal), this month by nerve gas in Britain, which believes that Russia is behind the attack. As a result, the two countries set off a diplomatic storm.
In solidarity with Britain on Wednesday, Australian Foreign Minister Bisho (Julie Bishop) announced the expulsion of two Russian "undeclared intelligence officers" and allowed him to leave the country within six days.
A total of 28 countries in the West were involved in the eviction, involving 153 Russian diplomats.
In response to the incident on Friday, Russia also began expelling foreign diplomats, while two in Australia were deported.
In a joint statement on Saturday, Australian Prime Minister Tembo (Malcolm Turnbull) and Foreign Minister Bi Xiao said Russia`s eviction was unjustifiable. It was no surprise, but it was a disappointing decision.
Labour leader Sheldon (Bill Shorten) expressed support for the Australian government`s move to expel Russian diplomats. He and Labour Senator Huang Yingxian also issued a joint statement on Saturday saying the Russian government must be aware of attacks on other countries` territory and refuse to reveal the consequences of the truth. Australia`s actions are in the national interest and take this opportunity to express to Russia its opposition to Russia`s actions and its support for the actions of its allies.
It is reported that Australia`s diplomatic mission in Moscow has a total of 10 staff. Australia`s ambassador to Russia, Tesch (Peter Tesch), is one of the diplomats deported.
It is understood that Russia will expel 59 diplomats from 23 countries after the expulsion of 23 British diplomats and 60 US diplomats.
