Moscow Expels Moldovan Diplomats In Tit-for-tat Move

MOSCOW, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st May, 2017 ) : Russia on Wednesday ordered the tit-for-tat expulsion of five Moldovan diplomats after Chisinau turfed out its representatives in what it called "hostile actions".

Moldova on Monday expelled five Russian diplomats amid tensions between the tiny ex-Soviet country's pro-Russian president and its West-leaning government. The diplomatic spat flared after allegations that a Moldovan diplomat passed on state secrets to an attache in the Russian embassy.

Moscow summoned the Moldovan Minister Counsellor Nicolae Miinea and informed him that the diplomats had been declared "personae non grata" and had to leave within three days, the Russian foreign ministry said.

"The Russian side expressed the hope that in Chisinau they realise the counterproductiveness of their hostile actions," which went against the "principles of partnership and mutual trust," a statement said.

Moldova, a small country wedged between Ukraine and Romania, has an East-West cultural, linguistic and political split. Its figurehead president, Igor Dodon, elected in November, has called for closer ties with Moscow and said he would like to cancel a deal binding Moldova closer to the EU, sparking outrage from pro-Western politicians.