PM Peter Pellegrini (source: SITA)
Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini announced that a Russian diplomat was expelled on November 22, following the findings of Slovakia’s Military Intelligence that he had been spying.
He worked in the department of a military attaché at the Russian Embassy.
“He was carrying out espionage activities against the interests of Slovakia and NATO,” Pellegrini said, as quoted by the Denník N daily, adding that his actions as a diplomatic worker was at odds with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
Spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Boris Gandel, did not want to comment for the Sme daily on the details of the expulsion.
Russian Embassy respects the step
The diplomat had to leave within 48 hours after being expelled.
“We did it decently, in accordance with all diplomatic practices and rules,” Pellegrini said, as quoted by the TASR newswire, adding that Slovakia has standard relations with Russia and that the Russian Embassy respects Slovakia’s decision.
Slovakia also informed other member states in a quiet procedure.
“Our political orientation is very clear, and I declare it once again – pro-European, pro-Euroatlantic,” Pellegrini added, as quoted by TASR.
In March, the Slovak government was prepared to expel several Russian diplomats from Bratislava after the Skripals were poisoned. Slovakia eventually just called back its ambassador to Russia.
