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Moscow to Respond to Expulsion of Russian Diplomats Reciprocally - Kremlin

CC0 / / Red Square, Moscow
Red Square, Moscow - Sputnik International
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Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has addressed the expulsion of Russian diplomats from some EU states, the US and Canada, saying the final decision on Moscow's response to the move would be taken by country's President Vladimir Putin.

"We have to analyze the situation which is happening in connection with the voiced decisions on the expulsion of our diplomats by a number of countries. The main analysis will be conducted in our diplomatic department. After that, the president will receive the reports and proposals on the countermeasures to be submitted. The final decision will be made by the head of the Russian state," said Peskov.    

READ MORE: Ambassador Slams US Decision to Expel 60 Russian Diplomats, Close Consulate

The spokesman has expressed regret over the move, reiterating Russia's position over the Skripal case: he once again repeated that Moscow had not been connected with the poisoning.

"Of course, as before, we will be guided by the principle of reciprocity," he stated.

Peskov noted that similar situations have already happened in the history of international relations.

"It's not a mass issue, it's about the fallibility of these decisions. We are convinced of their fallibility. Because from our point of view, the reference to the so-called business of Skripal carries no weight," Peskov said.

The same stance has been voiced by the Russian Foreign Ministry earlier in the day, which had expressed a decisive protest over the decision.

READ MORE: Moscow Vows Response to Expulsion of Diplomats From 15 EU States, US, Canada

The decision to expel diplomats followed the March 4 move, when some EU member states - including Germany, France, Denmark and Italy - declared diplomatic sanctions against Russia for the alleged country's poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal.

Earlier this month British PM Theresa May expelled 23 Russian diplomats over the Skripal's case, blaming Moscow for his poisoning. Responding to the punitive measure,  the Russian government expelled 23 British diplomats from St. Petersburg. 

READ MORE: Russian MoD Says A234 Nerve Agent Allegedly Used Against Skripal Developed in US 

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