Russia Accuses UK Of Diplomatic 'Pressure'
Britain is choosing to worsen relations by putting "political or psychological pressure" on Russians, according to the ambassador.
Thursday 06 August 2015, Source
Russia has accused Britain of deliberately trying to worsen relations between the two countries by "squeezing out" its diplomats, in violation of international law.
Russian ambassador Alexander Yakovenko gave a series of statements and interviews this week and suggested the Government was trying to "degrade" the Russian embassy's work in London with its treatment of the Russian diplomats.
The embassy also says border officials are putting "political or psychological pressure" on Russian nationals visiting Britain and complains London's behaviour is confrontational and risky.
"Our senior diplomat had to depart the UK last month because his visa was not extended, another diplomat left without replacement this month, (and) two staff members will have to leave for the same reason," a Russian embassy spokesman said in a statement.
"Such an obvious attempt by the British side to wreck at its own will the established international order ... testifies to a dangerous gamble by the UK in respect of the Russian diplomatic and consular missions."
In an interview with Russia's Kommersant newspaper, Ambassador Yakovenko said: "A certain part of the British elite has made a strategic choice in favour of worsening relations with Russia."
"It's difficult to reach a different conclusion when you hear that the political leadership of Great Britain regards your country as the main threat on a par with Islamic State."
The Foreign Office has responded by saying visas for diplomats are issued according to its own procedures in collaboration with the Home Office.
"Our approach to extending visas for Russian Embassy staff in London reflects the arrangements for British Embassy staff in Moscow," said a spokeswoman.
The Home Office said Border Force officers had to ensure passengers had the right visa and that the conditions of the visa were still met.
"This includes making sure false representations were not used to obtain the visa, and no facts were withheld," said a spokeswoman.
The diplomatic row comes at a time when relations between the two countries are strained.
Last week, the barrister representing Marina, the widow of Alexander Litvinenko, accused President Putin of being behind the poisoning of the ex-spy.
And Britain has joined with other states in imposing sanctions on Russia who it accuses of deliberately annexing Crimea from Ukraine.
Relations worsened when Russian-back Ukrainian separatists were blamed for shooting down flight Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 last July as it flew over Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of all 298 people on board.
Nearer to home, Russia military planes in April were spotted flying close to British airspace - RAF Typhoon jets being scrambled at one stage to escort them on their way.
Three months earlier, a Russian submarine had been spotted and was tracked as it passed through the English Channel.
