THESSALONIKI: An official says Greece moved to expel two Russian diplomats and block entry to two others after authorities learned that clergy and other organizations received Russian money to protest against a deal aiming to end Greece’ longstanding name dispute with neighboring Macedonia.
The official told The Associated Press Thursday that Russian authorities have been given until Friday to send the two diplomats home. It’s unclear if they have already left.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he’s not authorized to speak publicly about the issue, said he doesn’t believe that this will badly harm Greek-Russian relations, although a “chill” is expected.
Last month’s deal foresees Macedonia renamed “North Macedonia” in exchange for Greece dropping objections to the country joining NATO and the European Union.
