Russia Declares Moldovan Embassy Staff Member Persona Non Grata

Dragon Media News Desk

Russia has declared a staff member of Moldova’s embassy in Moscow persona non grata. Moldovan Ambassador Lilian Darii was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry on November 11 and informed of the decision, the ministry said.

The ministry strongly protested Moldova’s October 23 decision to declare a staff member of the Russian Embassy in Chisinau persona non grata. Moldova cited the alleged discovery on its territory of debris from a drone carrying explosives, according to the Russian ministry.

The ministry said no evidence had been presented that the drone was of Russian origin. It described Moldova’s decision as based on a fabricated pretext and as another unfriendly act towards Russia.

The ministry also accused Moldova of seeking to weaken the countries’ longstanding ties and obstruct the work of Russia’s diplomatic mission in Chisinau.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said Darii was given a diplomatic note informing him that, on the principle of reciprocity, Russia had declared a Moldovan Embassy staff member persona non grata. Moldova’s response was not included in the statement.