Greg
The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.
“The whole case was a result of infighting between staffers at the Russian Federation Embassy in Prague,” claimed Czech PM Andrej Babis.
An alleged Russian plot to murder mayors in Prague is false, according to the Czech Republic’s prime minister.
In April, local media reported that the country’s intelligence services suspected a Russian who arrived in the Czech capital on a diplomatic passport was sent to poison Prague Mayor Zdenek Hrib and Prague 6 district mayor Ondrej Kolar with ricin.
But PM Andrej Babis said on Friday that “the whole case was a result of infighting between staffers at the Russian Federation Embassy in Prague.”
“One of them sent to our counter-intelligence service false information about a planned attack against Czech politicians,” he said.
Babis said that as a result of the investigation by Czech intelligence services two Russian diplomats had been expelled from the country.
“We have an interest in having good relations with all countries, but we’re a sovereign state and such actions on our territory are unacceptable,” the prime minister said.
Russia’s foreign ministry said the move would draw a “response in kind” from Moscow and help shape policy towards the Czech Republic.
“By taking that unfriendly step, the Czech side has acted indecently and unworthily,” the Russian ministry said. “The Czech authorities have inflicted serious damage to the Russian-Czech relations without any reason whatsoever. It will be necessary to respond to such provocations.”
As a result of the claims in April, Kolar, Hrib and the mayor of Prague’s Reporyje district, Pavel Novotny, all received police protection.
In February, a Prague square in front of the Russian Embassy was renamed after slain Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, with Hrib unveiling the new nameplate.
In April, Kolar’s district removed a statue of Soviet World War II commander Ivan Stepanovic Konev, whose armies completed the liberation of Prague from Nazi occupation.
The statue’s removal caused outrage in Russia, which has angrily lashed out at any attempts to diminish the nation’s decisive role in defeating the Nazis.
Novotny provoked Moscow’s ire with plans to build a monument to the soldiers of Gen. Andrei Vlasov’s army. Over 300 of them died when they helped the Czech uprising against Nazi rule and contributed to Prague’s liberation. Their role is controversial for Russia, however, because they previously fought against the Red Army alongside Nazi troops.
The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.
Anybody believe that?
Believe what? Anyway, the Czechs are simply incensed that they looked like idiots falling for this ‘intelligence’. They should hold a Czech-Swedish solidarity day, like an Easter egg hunt but have the kids hunting for Russian subs loaded with sarin, swimming in the Czech high seas. Senator Inhofe could then introduce a bill to send American gunboats to protect Czech seaports. 😉
Where is Czechoslovenia, anyway? Do they need a lobbyist?
It’s just a tad east of Ingushetia, Hunter. Maybe you should book a flight, check out the local culture. They say their women are easy. Have a go at it, champ.
“… Czechoslovenia …”
!!!!!…..
Czechoslovakia, you ignoramus…
No, it’s Chechenslovakia, I’m quite sure.
Former CIA agent confused – Chechnya vs. Czech Republic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6RvSTiM3Yk
Now I understand why the world’s in such a mess.
Slovakia, Slovenia, Slobovia…who cares, as long as they obey?
George W Bush famously once talked about his meeting with the Slovak foreign minister – a meeting which never happened. It was with the Slovenian foreign minister.