PRAGUE — Prime Minister Stephen Harper characterized the expulsion of two Canadian diplomats from Russia Wednesday as not “the Cold War” but neither is it “an ideal situation”.In the Czech Republic for a quick one-day summit with European Union leaders, Mr. Harper was responding to reports that two Moscow-based NATO employees who are Canadian diplomats are being expelled in retaliation for the organization's recent expulsion of two Russian envoys from its headquarters.
“I haven't changed my view that we are concerned about Russian behaviour on a number of fronts,” said Mr. Harper, who was asked by Czech and Canadian reporters about the situation at his wrap-up press conference Wednesday. “I don't want to say this is the Cold War but it's certainly not an ideal situation … we will try and engage Russia but when it comes to things like spying, or democracy or human rights we will continue to send pretty clear signals and when it comes to spying we will take whatever actions are necessary.”
NATO announced last week it would revoke the accreditation of two members of Russia's mission to its headquarters in Brussels, apparently over a spy scandal dating back to February. NATO has refused to comment on the official reason, saying it doesn't make statements on intelligence matters.
Russia said it was simply following “the rules of the game” by announcing a reciprocal step. Moscow is also riled by NATO military exercises that began in neighbouring Georgia, which fought a recent war with Russia.
Said Mr. Harper: “Russia has a right to retaliate but it doesn't change the fact that these diplomats were not engaged in anything illegal or unethical.”
Russian and Canadian officials said the director of the NATO Information Office in Moscow, Isabelle Francois, and her deputy will be expelled. Canadian Ambassador Ralph Lysyshyn was informed of the decision at a Russian Foreign Ministry meeting.