Romania Issues Non-Grata Persoona Diplomatic Decision, Russian Embassy Military Attach Not Accepted

Old Town, Bucharest, Romania/ILLUSTRATION OF UNSPLASH/AT

JAKARTA - Romania stated that the military attach of the Russian embassy and its deputy persona non-grata alias could not be accepted in Romania for actions that it said violated diplomatic rules.

The move is the latest sign of tension between Bukares and Moscow over the war in Ukraine and allegations of election interference.

Romania canceled the presidential election before the second round in December over allegations Russia interfered in the election campaign, but Moscow denied it.

"The Romanian authorities have decided to declare a persona non grata over the military air and sea of the Russian Federation in Bukares and its deputy for actions contrary to the Vienna Convention," the Romanian foreign ministry said.

The statement did not provide further details regarding the actions in question. The Vienna Convention regulates diplomatic relations.

Russia said it would respond to Bucharest's move, state news agency RIA reported.

Russia declared an official of the non-gratal Romanian embassy in July.

Bucharest said at the time that Russia's decision was an unjustified response to Romania which declared Russian diplomats non-graft in May.