Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland announced Monday Canada is expelling four Russian diplomats and denying the applications of three others. The move comes in response to a nerve agent attack in Salisbury, U.K. Photo courtesy CBC.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland announced Canada is expelling Russian diplomats “in solidarity with the United Kingdom”.
The Monday morning announcement is in response to a nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy and his daughter in England.
In a statement, Freeland called the attack a “despicable, heinous and reckless act, potentially endangering the lives of hundreds.”
Four Russian diplomats, serving at the Russian Embassy in Ottawa and the Consulate General in Montreal, will be removed.
“The four have been identified as intelligence officers or individuals who have used their diplomatic status to undermine Canada’s security or interfere in our democracy,” Freeland said.
Three other Russian applications for additional diplomatic staff in Canada have been denied.
Freeland said the nerve agent attack on March 4 in Salisbury, that has left Sergei Skripal and his daughter in critical condition in Britain, is “a clear threat to the rules-based international order and to the rules that were established by the international community to ensure chemical weapons would never again destroy human lives.”
In response to Russia’s unacceptable behaviour, we’re expelling several Russian diplomats from our country. Canada will always stand in solidarity with the UK – and we’re committed to working with our allies to protect and uphold the safety & security of all our citizens. https://t.co/Bpb9064TMp
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 26, 2018
Canada is joining the United States and other European Union members in taking diplomatic action against Russia.
The U.S. announced Monday 60 Russian diplomats will be expelled and Russia’s consulate in Seattle has been ordered to close.
Freeland said the nerve agent attack is part of a pattern of “unacceptable” behaviour by Russia, citing complicity with Syria’s Assad regime, the seizure of Crimea, fighting in Ukraine and other neighbouring countries and interference in foreign elections.
“Canada fervently supports the measures that the United Kingdom has taken so far and remains resolutely committed to acting in concert with its allies.”
With files from CBC.
Andy Neal
