Russia expels four canadian diplomats

News 31 March, 2018
  • Étienne Paré

    Friday, 30 march 2018 23:22

    UPDATE
    Friday, 30 march 2018 23:22

    Look at this article

    Moscow has given the order on Friday, one hundred foreign diplomats, including four Canadians and 60 Americans, to leave its territory.

    The western countries had done as much a few days ago to sanction Russia, accused by the u.k. of poisoning former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, in exile in London.

    “It’s part of the diplomatic game. Removed four. The Russians are doing the same thing “, relativizes Ferry de Kerckhove, former number 2 at the embassy of Canada in Russia.

    “What is incredible, in this case, it is to see the western countries form a bloc against Russia. One begins to speak in a language that can do think of the one that was used during the cold War “, is concerned, Mr. de Kerckhove.

    The former diplomat calls for a rapprochement between Canada and Russia, although there is little chance of this happening in the short term.

    Security

    The minister of foreign Affairs, asked by chrystia Freeland, is of Ukrainian origin and “we feel that it is more hawk than dove compared to Russia,” recalls Ferry de Kerckhove.

    “But I think that it will not touch the economic interests between the two countries. This would not be in the best interest of Canada “, is it to qualify.

    The new escalation of diplomatic tensions between Canada and Russia do not care for the moment Sebastien Dakin, regional director of the Association of business Canada Russia Eurasia, a non-profit organization that promotes trade between the two countries.

    “Despite the tense political situation, the Canadians are still well-received in Russia. I have never felt in danger. The Russians know how to make the difference. They need us to do business, ” remarked the one who has lived in Moscow from 2007 to 2011.

    Economic consequences ?

    Since then, trade between the two countries at idle, recognizes Sebastien Dakin.

    “This is not so much because of the economic sanctions that were adopted after the annexation of Crimea. It’s not bad at all, because of the fall of a barrel of oil “, said Mr. Dakin, who has the intention of returning to do business in the country of vodka in a few months, the new sanctions or not.