Norway authorities declared persons non -grata of 15 employees of the Embassy of the Russian Federation. This was reported in the statement of the Norwegian Foreign Ministry widespread on Thursday.
The government’s decision is a response to the changed security situation in Europe, which led to the strengthening of the intelligence threat from Russia, follows from the department.
Russian diplomats are ordered to leave the territory of Norway in the near future.
Diplomats are declared by persons Non Grata, as they conducted activities incompatible with their diplomatic status, said Foreign Minister Anniken Hitfelt. “This is an important step in countering and reducing the level of Russian intelligence activity in Norway and, thus, in protecting our national interests,” the minister said.
HUTFELT emphasized that Russia is currently the greatest reconnaissance threat to Norway. “We are very serious about this and are now implementing measures to counteract the activities of Russian intelligence in our country. We will not allow Russian intelligence officers to act under the diplomatic cover in Norway,” said the head of the Norwegian diplomatic mission.