Babiš: Czechia ready to back restrictions on Russian diplomats

Czechia wants to coordinate with its allies on possible restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said on CNN Prima News. He said Czechia is ready to support such measures if they are discussed by the European Council.

Mr.Babiš said the government is monitoring the security situation in Germany closely, and is taking measures to ensure public safety. Earlier this week an emergency meeting of the State Security Council addressed, among other things, better coordination between the country’s security services and measures against cyberattacks, which Babiš said are a real threat.

Following a drone attack in Leipzig, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Petr Macinka summoned Russian Ambassador to Czechia Anna Ponomareva. Macinka rejected her explanation that accusations against Russia were a provocation and told her Czechia would introduce reciprocal measures affecting Russian diplomatic and technical personnel. The move also responds to tighter restrictions imposed on Czech diplomats in Moscow.