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Greece Reportedly Expels Two Russian Diplomats


FILE - Greek police and army officers stand by Greek, Russian and EU flags as they wait for the arrival of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Athens airport, May 27, 2016.
FILE - Greek police and army officers stand by Greek, Russian and EU flags as they wait for the arrival of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Athens airport, May 27, 2016.

Greece has reportedly expelled two Russian diplomats over allegations that Moscow has interfered in its negotiations with neighboring Macedonia.

Greek news outlets reported the expulsions Wednesday, adding that two other Russian envoys were banned from entering Greece.

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos would not comment on the reports during a television interview, but said Athens would take appropriate “measures” against those who violated international law.

Authorities in Russia say two Greek diplomats will be expelled from Moscow in response.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, right and his Macedonian counterpart Zoran Zaev, raise their hands during a signing agreement for Macedonia's new name in the village of Psarades, on June 17, 2018.
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, right and his Macedonian counterpart Zoran Zaev, raise their hands during a signing agreement for Macedonia's new name in the village of Psarades, on June 17, 2018.

Greece and Macedonia reached an agreement last month to end a decades-old dispute over the name of Macedonia, which is also the name of Greece’s northern province. The disagreement has become so fierce that Athens has blocked the former Yugoslav republic from joining NATO.

The deal calls for Macedonia to formally change its name to the Republic of North Macedonia, which still must be approved by a referendum.

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