Garth "Acknowledges" Recalling of Slovak Amb in Russia, But Disappointed

Bratislava, March 28 (TASR) – British Ambassador to Slovakia Andrew Garth, with a dose of disappointment, on Wednesday “acknowledged” Slovakia’s decision to recall its ambassador in Russia for consultation over the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England.

“The seriousness of this action requires a firm response. I note that after much deliberation the SK gov has decided to recall its Amb for consultation. I acknowledge the decision. But cannot say I am not disappointed,” Garth wrote on Twitter. Earlier he made the same statement in an interview for public-service Radio and Television Slovakia (RTVS).

Slovakia’s Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajcak (a Smer-SD nominee), who currently also serves as UN General Assembly President, earlier in the day announced the withdrawal for consultations of ambassador in Moscow Peter Priputen. Describing it as a “serious diplomatic move”, Lajcak noted that since Slovakia gained independence 25 years ago, it had never withdrawn its ambassador in Moscow for consultations.

In response to the Skripal case, a total of 19 EU-member countries so far have expelled Russian diplomats, or have announced that they will do so soon. Conversely, nine EU countries have either not expelled diplomats or have chosen not to expel Russian diplomats.