Russia declares Moldovan embassy employee 'persona non grata'

Russia's foreign ministry said on Friday it had summoned Moldova's ambassador in Moscow and declared one Moldovan embassy official 'persona non grata', APA reports citing Reuters.

The ministry acted in response to what it said was the "unmotivated" designation of an employee of Russia's embassy in Moldova as persona non grata on March 19.

Moldova expelled a Russian diplomat over the opening of polling stations for Russia's presidential election in its breakaway region of Transdniestria. Earlier government statements called Russia's move disrespectful to Moldova's sovereignty.