Russian diplomat ordered out of Latvia

A Russian diplomat has been ordered to leave Latvia by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), APA reports citing Public Broadcasting of Latvia.

The Ministry released a statement March 27 saying Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, Oleg Zykov, was summoned in order that a "protest was expressed to him in the strongest possible terms by the Latvian side" over what was described as "unacceptable and provocational public communication pursued by the Embassy over an extended period."

"The Embassy of Russia, regardless [of] repeated reprimands from the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has continued inaccurate public communication aimed at the discreditation of public institutions and authorities of the Latvian state and inciting hatred among society in Latvia.

"In view of the above, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia has taken a decision to declare one diplomat of the Embassy of the Russian Federation persona non grata. The Russian diplomat must leave Latvia by the end of the day this coming 10 April," said the MFA.

The identity of the diplomat singled out for expulsion was not revealed. It is highly likely Russia will respond in kind.