Romania Should Have Dismissed Ukrainian Diplomats ‘Quietly’ – Off

Speaking in a press conference in Bucharest, Tarasiuk said Romania should have kept the decision away from the media.

 

“The Romanian side did wrong, because it assumed upon itself the responsibility of this unpleasant fact in the international relations by expelling two Ukrainian diplomats. This could be done quietly, as it is the case in many instances between many countries. Whatever the reasons, a diplomat is expelled quietly, without much ado in the press. So this was done with ado in the Romanian press. And of course, the Ukrainian side had nothing to do but to do the same,” Tarasiuk told reporters.

 

“I would like to claim that the Romanian side assumed upon itself the responsibility for this deterioration of the relationship. This was very unfortunate, especially given the fact that discussions were taking place about the visit of President Basescu to Ukraine. One cannot have visits under such an atmosphere,” Tarasiuk said.

 

Tarasiuk declined to comment on the reasons that led to the diplomatic incidents.

 

Early this year, the Romanian authorities have expelled the Ukrainian military attaché and his assistant, alleging ties to two citizens suspected of selling classified information pertaining to national security.

 

The authorities in Kiev took similar measures, expelling two Romanian diplomats in response.

 

Following the move, a visit by Romanian President Traian Basescu scheduled for late February was put off indefinitely.