HE norwegian government announced the deportation of 15 embassy employees this Thursday Russia In Oslo, which he accused of spying by taking advantage of his status. “Fifteen intelligence officers have been declared persona non grata for carrying out activities incompatible with their diplomatic status,” Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt said in a statement. Said.
Huitfeldt described the announcement as an “important measure” to “counter” and “reduce” the size of intelligence activity in this Scandinavian country and to ensure its national interests. “Russia is the biggest intelligence threat in Norway. We take this seriously and are now intervening to neutralize Russian activities in the country. “We will not allow Russian intelligence officers to operate in Norway under diplomatic guise,” Huitfeldt said.
fifteen diplomats who will have to Leave the country “at once”Join three others who were deported on the same charge in April last year.
The Norwegian official, alluding to the war in Ukraine, stressed that the Russian “threat” in this Scandinavian country has increased as a result of the worsening security situation in the region. Other European countries have recently tightened visa requirements for Russian officials and reduced the number of their accredited diplomatic staff.
“I would like to emphasize that Norway wants normal diplomatic relations with Russia and Russian diplomats are welcome in Norway. What we are doing now is for Russia only. unwanted espionage activity‘ said the Foreign Minister.
Norway is part of NATO but not them European Union (EU)Despite joining all the sanctions packages against Moscow approved by Brussels as a result of Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine.