diplomacy - Russia - USA - Washington
Russia expels US military attaches
Thursday 08 May 2008
Moscow has ordered the expulsion of two US military attaches, according to US officials. No reasons for the expulsions were provided, as US officials deny they are linked to the earlier expulsion of two Russian military attaches from Washington.
Thursday 08 May 2008
By AFPTwo US military attaches are being expelled from Russia, the US State Department said Thursday.
"They have asked that two of our military attaches leave," said State Department spokesman, Gonzo Gallegos, refusing to go into further details.
The United States did not agree with the decision but would comply, Gallegos said.
Asked why Moscow had made the move, Galllegos said: "You are going to have to (address) the government of Russia and ask them their reasons for this." He said Washington did not anticipate a reprisal.
The US spokesman denied the move was linked to the US expulsion of two Russian military attaches in Washington, one in November and another April 21.
A State Department official speaking privately said the United States did not believe the cases were linked.
"These kind of things do happen where people are asked to leave the country for various reasons," the official said. "I would not say that this is a continuum. We see that a distinct incidents and we treat them as such."
In Moscow, a Russian foreign ministry spokesman contacted by AFP declined to comment on the report of the expulsions.
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