Q: Can you confirm that the Russian authorities told the cultural attaché at the French Embassy in Moscow to leave the country?
A: The Russian authorities informed our ambassador to Moscow on Friday that an embassy employee was no longer welcome on their territory. No legitimate reason was provided. We deplore this unjustified decision. Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna instructed the relevant Ministry departments to swiftly present her with options to determine follow-up actions to be taken.
Against this backdrop, we wish to commend the exemplary work performed by diplomats and staff at our embassy in Russia. Their work falls fully within the framework of the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations.