TIRANA, Jan.22 /ATA/- The Russian Embassy in Tirana has reacted today to the decision of the Albanian government to declare a Russian diplomat “persona non grata”.
“We consider the decision of the Albanian authorities to expel the Russian diplomat as unjust. We are also surprised by the content of the relevant press release of the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Despite the Ministry’s claims, Alexei Krivosheyev’s name has never been mentioned during contacts between the Russian Embassy and the relevant Ministry. For the first and last time, he was mentioned in the Verbal Note of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 20, 2021, according to which Krivosheyev was declared “persona non grata”. At the same time, no evidence of his violation of the anti-COVID measures imposed in Albania, has been brought,” the statement says.
“After being diagnosed with COVID-19 in early November 2020, in compliance with medical protocol, Krivosheyev remained in self-isolation for two weeks with his family members, strictly respecting the quarantine rules, and came to work only after getting re-tested and having two negative tests. In addition to visiting medical institutions to perform relevant tests, he had no direct contact,” Russian Embassy in Tirana says.
“We believe the allegations against him are baseless and fabricated. Against the background of this event, the assurances of the Albanian side regarding its efforts towards the development of friendly relations between our countries raise doubts”, the statement of the Russian embassy says. //a.i/
