Moscow is concerned about the deterioration in its relations with Greece, calling the current diplomatic situation between the two countries “unnatural”, Russia’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova has said.
Briefing the press on Wednesday, Zakharova said it wasn’t Russia that started the spat with Greece. “On the contrary,” she noted, “we continue to be committed to a well-structured cooperation with Greece.”
Relations between the two states have worsened in recent weeks after Greece expelled two Russian diplomatic staff and barred entry to two more Russian nationals amid claims Moscow was meddling in the name deal between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
The Greek Foreign Ministry said “no country in the world would tolerate attempts to a) bribe state officials, b) undermine its foreign policy, and c) interfere in its internal affairs”.
However, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman expressed the hope that it will be feasible for the two countries to overcome the crisis in their relations as soon as possible.
“We think the current situation is unnatural and temporary and we hope we will both overcome soon. We are ready to show patience and accountability for the purpose of re-establishing a full cooperation for the benefit of both countries,” Zakharova said.,
The Russian official reiterated that “Moscow has never been involved either in Athens’ internal affairs or foreign policy plans,” describing Greece’s allegations to the contrary as “unfounded.”
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