US expels a dozen Russian diplomats from UN mission

KABUL (Pajhwok): In an escalatory move, the United States has expelled a dozen Russian diplomats at the United Nations over security concerns, report international media outlets.

A spokesperson for the US Mission to the United Nations accused the diplomats of engaging in espionage activities that threatened America’s security.

National Public Radio (NPR) quoted the spokesperson, Olivia Dalton, as alleging that the 12 “operatives” abused their privileges of US residency.

“This action has been in works for several months,” said Dalton, who insisted the move was in line with the headquarters agreement

Meanwhile, Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told journalists the diplomats had been instructed to leave the US by March 7.

According to Reuters, Nebenzia indicated his country would respond to the move “because it’s diplomatic practice.”

At the start of the UN Security Council session on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, he slammed the US action as hostile and a violation of its commitments as host of the UN headquarters.

PAN Monitor/mud