(VOVWORLD) - Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia has called Washington’s decision to expel 12 staffers from Russia’s mission at the UN an abuse of power.
He said the move was an unfortunate and unfriendly one which violated the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN, and the agreement between the UN and the US regarding the UN headquarters signed in 1947.
Meanwhile, US ambassador Nikki Haley said the US and many other countries are telling the world they will not accept Russia’s actions.
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdağ said on Monday his country is not planning to act against Russia as the two countries are enjoying positive relations. Italy’s right-wing League chief Matteo Salvini said boycotting Russia, renewing sanctions, and expelling diplomats do not resolve problems but aggravate them. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Foreign Affairs Minister Karin Kneissl said the Austrian government is "well-agreed" on its decision not to take any measures itself.