United States to expel 35 Russian diplomats

The US is to expel 35 Russian diplomats, and shut down two Russian compounds, in response to "harassment" of American diplomats in Moscow and alleged interference in the recent presidential election.
The diplomats being asked to leave work at the Russian embassy in Washington, and at the country's consulate in San Francisco.
Two Russian compounds in New York and Maryland, used for intelligence gathering, will be closed.
Two US officials said measures were being taken after Russia allegedly hacked US political institutions and individuals.
Moscow has denied hacking.
In addition, Vladimir Putin's country is accused of helping President-elect Donald Trump, and other Republican candidates, by leaking information.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the US wanted to "definitively destroy US-Russia relations which have already reached a low".
According to the Ria-Novosti news agency, Mr Peskov said Russia would "react in an adequate manner based on the principles of reciprocity".
"We categorically reject the unfounded assertions and accusations made about Russia," he reportedly added.
The Russian embassy in the UK tweeted: "President Obama expels 35 (Russian) diplomats in Cold War deja vu. As everybody, incl (the American) people, will be glad to see the last of this hapless Adm."
There was also a picture of a duck, with "lame" written across it in large letters. 
President Obama said in a statement: "These actions follow repeated private and public warnings that we have issued to the Russian government, and are a necessary and appropriate response to efforts to harm US interests in violation of established international norms of behaviour."
The outgoing president added: "All Americans should be alarmed by Russia's actions.
"Such activities have consequences."
Mr Obama also said the alleged hacking "could only have been directed by the highest levels of the Russian government".
Two Russian intelligence services, the GRU and the FSB, are to face sanctions.
The Russian diplomats being expelled will have three days to leave America, a senior US official said.
Access will be denied to the compounds from midday on Friday.
The move comes as Donald Trump, who has praised Vladimir Putin, prepares to take office next month.
Mr Trump issued a statement saying it was "time for our country to move on to bigger and better things".
However, he added: "In the interest of our country and its great people, I will meet with leaders of the intelligence community next week in order to be updated on the facts of this situation."
Mr Obama took action by amending an executive order issued last year.
Mr Trump will be able to reverse that order, should he wish.
Senator John McCain, meanwhile, has questioned whether Mr Trump's nominee to be Secretary of State - Rex Tillerson - is too closely linked to Russia.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Fast Rising Nollywood Actor Sammy Lee Breaking Forth

Image
There is a rising star in the Nigerian movie industry, who's dazzling movie lovers with his amazing performances with regards to interpretation of roles in movies. He is a delight to watch! Onwuasoanya Samuel Nnamdi better known as Sammy Lee Nnamdi was born in Kaduna on the 31st October, he hails from Udi in Enugu State, Nigeria. He did his primary and secondary school in Enugu and his higher institution in Abia State. He is a Nollywood fast rising Actor, Business Man, Motivational Speaker and Writer that uses his simple way of writing to convey the message of social justice, wisdom and as well inspire a sense of Moral rectitude. He made his debut when he featured in a movie titled Ifunanya and Keke Driver, which was released in 2014. Sammy Lee has featured in the following Movies... Stingy Millonaire, The Promise, Ojukwu the WarLord, Magic Queen, African Maidens, Boy Obi, Corporate Maidens, Men of Goodwill, Enemies Masquerade, Sacred Staff, etc. He ca...
Read more

Take a look at the pricey watches worn by Premier League bosses

Image
They say you can't buy time but for these tacticians, 90minutes costs anything between £45K and £40. The coaches of Premier League sides are rocking some of the most coveted time pieces on the planet with Burnley boss, Sean Dyche topping the league with a £45K Patek Philipe piece, leading from the bottom  is Bob Bradley who was recently sacked by Swansea after just 11 games in charge.  Okay let's rank them by table.
Read more

International Church of Cannabis to be launched in Colorado on April 20

A church for marijuana lovers is planning its official grand opening in Denver, Colorado on April 20 (world weed day). The new church known as International Church of Cannabis has taken over a former Christian church building and claims to be the first large venue in the world where cannabis can be legally consumed in a social environment. The church says it will "offer a home to adults everywhere who are looking to create the best version of themselves by way of the sacred plant." Members of the church call themselves Elevationists, founding member Steve Berke through the church's website said: "Our lifestance is that an individual’s spiritual journey, and search for meaning, is one of self-discovery that can be accelerated with ritual cannabis use. Elevationists claim no divine authority, nor authoritarian structure, therefore, those of all religious and cultural background are welcome to visit our chapel and take part in our celebrations." The group is ...
Read more