Greece expels Russian diplomats accused of supplying funds to protest groups opposing Macedonia deal

VOA  : Greece has moved to expel two Russian diplomats accused of supplying funds to protest groups opposing a deal that would end Greece’s longstanding name dispute with neighbouring Macedonia, a Greek official said Thursday.

The expulsions were confirmed the day after NATO formally invited Macedonia to join the western military alliance pending the agreement’s successful completion. Moscow opposes any expansion of NATO, particularly if it involves nations Russia sees as within its natural sphere of influence.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras told Greek reporters in Brussels after a NATO summit ended Thursday that he was obliged “to defend the national sovereignty” of Greece, but did not refer to Russia or the expulsions directly.

“We seek good relations with most countries — not only the ones in our neighborhood,” Tsipras said. “But we do demand that all countries respect our international legitimacy and national sovereignty.”