Russia to retaliate for diplomat's expulsion from Ireland

MOSCOW, RUSSIA: Russia on Wednesday vowed to retaliate for the expulsion of a diplomat from Ireland for alleged involvement in espionage, RIA Novosti reported.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov strongly condemned the expulsion of the diplomat and labeled the Irish decision as an unfriendly act. He added that the action "will not go without a corresponding reaction."

On Tuesday, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs expelled a Russian diplomat over his alleged involvement in the production of six fake Irish passports used for spying activities.

The decision was taken following a Garda Síochána investigation that concluded Russian intelligence agents stole the identities of six Irish citizens to produce fake passports.

Ambassador to Ireland Mikhail Timoshkin was informed that the accreditation of a member of his staff with diplomatic status was terminated, in line with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

In June 2010, a Russian spy ring was unveiled by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Twelve unregistered agents were detained for sending secret messages and following orders received from the Russian government.

In mid-December, the British government expelled a Russian diplomat over espionage suspicions. In retaliation, Russia requested the removal of a British diplomat.

(BNO NEWS )