ZAGREB, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Embassy in Croatia said on Monday that Croatia's decision to expel its diplomats and administrative and technical staff is "a significant step backward in bilateral relations."
"This decision is a significant step backward in bilateral relations, counterproductive for Russian-Croatian cooperation ahead of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries," Russian Ambassador to Croatia Andrey Nesterenko said in a statement.
Moscow also reacted to this decision. "Russia will respond appropriately," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Russia's TASS news agency.
Earlier on Monday, the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs announced the expulsion of 18 Russian diplomats and six members of administrative and technical staff. They were asked to leave Croatia by April 25. ■