SKOPJE, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Russian Ambassador to Skopje Oleg Shcherbak called Thursday the decision of the Macedonian government to expel a Russian diplomat as "regretful, groundless and unprecedented" in the entire history of Russian Macedonian relations.
Shcherbak told reporters here at a press conference that Macedonian authorities took what he called a hostile step towards Russia under the influence from foreign countries.
Nonetheless, he said that such influence didn't excuse the Macedonian authorities from the negative consequences in the two countries' bilateral relations.
According to Russian ambassador, Macedonia's move to expel Russian diplomat was 'hasty' and 'short-sighted' falling against the official position on fostering constructive and mutually beneficial relations with Russia.
Shcherbak also said that the Macedonian officials did not want to provide evidence over its claims regarding the activities of the Russian diplomat.
Two days ago, Macedonian Premier Zoran Zaev announced the decision to expel a Russian diplomat here over the recent poisoning of Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter on March 4 in Britain.
Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov said the expelling was also aimed at protecting Macedonia's security interests, because the diplomat exceeded the mandate in attempting to obtain classified information important for Macedonia's security.
But, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov called the decision as hasted, voicing his stance against such decision.
