Russia Quits Council Of Baltic Sea States
Umer Jamshaid Published May 18, 2022 | 02:20 AM
Moscow, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th May, 2022 ) :Russia said Tuesday it was quitting the Council of the Baltic Sea States amid raging tensions with the West over Moscow's offensive in Ukraine.
The organisation is a political forum for regional cooperation that groups together 11 member states such as Germany, Finland and Norway as well as the European Union.
The foreign ministry in Moscow said that the organisation was becoming "an instrument of anti-Russian policy" and "increasingly mired in Russophobia and lies." "We consider our country's further presence in the CBSS to be inexpedient and counterproductive," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Moscow said the organisation planned to hold a meeting in Norway on May 25 without Russia's participation, accusing the group of stealing the country's contribution to its budget.
Despite leaving the council, Moscow said it would remain present in the Baltic region.
"Attempts to oust our country from the Baltics are doomed to failure," the ministry said.
Separately, Moscow also said on Tuesday that two employees of Finland's embassy in Russia would have to leave the country in response to a similar move by Helsinki.
The foreign ministry said in a statement that it summoned Finland's ambassador to Moscow and expressed its "strong protest" against the expulsion of two Russian diplomats from Finland in April.
Moscow also accused Finland of taking a "confrontational course" towards Russia, supplying weapons to Ukraine and "covering up the crimes of Ukrainian nationalists" against civilians.
"The Russian side made a decision on the unacceptability of the further stay in the Russian Federation of two staff members of Finland's embassy in Moscow," the ministry said.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Pakistan marks World Press Freedom Day
High-level Saudi business delegation due on May 5
Stocks heat up as US labour market cools
President approves Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024
Implementation of merit, justice to oppressed segments top priorities: CPO
Overseas Kashmir community delegation calls on AJK President, discusses latest s ..
Govt believes in freedom of press: Amir Muqam
Labour urges UK election after Tory losses
Health authorities asked for action against alleged illegal tenders at Services ..
Spain scraps national bullfighting prize sparking debate
Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan visits Rawalpindi ..
ATC extends interim bail of PTI founder in 3 cases
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Waste Management – A persistent challenge for MWMC
22 hours ago -
Experts for ending child labour
3 days ago -
Labour Day - A reminder for better facilities to workers
3 days ago -
Stage Drama Mohabati Manhoon presents in Arts council Larkana
5 days ago -
Wheat farmers in a fix on price, procurement mechanism
6 days ago -
Modern tools to help transform crime investigation procedures
6 days ago
-
Sanam Marvi captivates audience with mesmerizing performance
7 days ago -
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
8 days ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
8 days ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
10 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
12 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
12 days ago