The Russian Embassy in Tirana has reacted after the decision of the Albanian government to expel the Russian diplomat, Alexey Krivoshev, for violating anti-Covid measures. She says that this decision to declare the Russian official “Non Grata” is not based on any evidence. While emphasizing that the name of the diplomat was never mentioned during the contacts between the Russian embassy and the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For the first and last time, it appeared in the minutes of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania, dated 20.01.2021
“Contrary to the statements of the Ministry, the name of Alexei Krivoshev has never been mentioned during the contacts between the Russian Embassy and the Foreign Ministry of Albania. For the first and last time, it appeared in the minutes of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania, dated 20.01.2021, according to which Mr. “Krivoshev was declared a ′ ′ non grata“. At the same time, there was no evidence of violations of anti-Covid measures taken in Albania”, it is said in reaction.
Comment by the Russian Embassy regarding the declaration of the Russian diplomat ′′ persons non grata ′′
We consider the decision of the Albanian authorities to expel the Russian diplomat unparalleled. Also, we are surprised by the content of the relevant MEPJ press release of Albania. Despite the claims of the Ministry, Alexej Krivoshejev’s name has never been mentioned during contacts between the Russian Embassy and the relevant Ministry. For the first and last time, he was mentioned in the MEPJ Verbal Grade with dt. 20.01.2021, according to which Mr. Krivosheev has been declared ′′ persons non grata “.
At the same time, no evidence of violation of anti-kovid measures imposed in Albania has been brought. Earlier, in July 2020, at a meeting between Ambassador and Minister of Duty for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, G. Cakaj, the issue of claims arose, by the way, also, quite controversial, about the behavior of another diplomat. Exactly then Mr. Ambassador promised to deal with this issue, promise, which was fulfilled. Notice at this employee’s address and he successfully left the country after several months, completing his service. As for Mr. Krivoshev, after being diagnosed with COVID-19 in early November 2020, in accordance with medical protocol, he has been self-isolating for two weeks with his family members, strictly respecting the indefinite quarantine, and has only went to work after passing two negative tests. External contacts, besides visiting medical institutions to perform relevant tests, he has not had.
We believe the charges against him are unfounded and staged. In the background of this event, the Albanian party’s assurances regarding its efforts towards the development of friendly relations between our countries raise doubts. We also address your attention to the fact that, in accordance with international diplomatic practice, the names of diplomatic missions employees declared ′′ persons non grata ′′ are not communicated to the public. This is, among other things, one of the obligations of the host country, aimed at maintaining the personal safety of diplomats and their family members. The publication of names can happen, only after the employee has left the host country.
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