BRUSSELS, July 1 (KUNA) -- The European Union (EU) Friday regretted the "unjustified threat" of Russia to sever diplomatic ties with Bulgaria in response to Bulgariaآ’s decision to expel 70 Russian Embassy staff from the country.
"The European Union stands in full support and solidarity with Bulgaria in these circumstances and will follow this matter closely," said the EU spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Nabila Massrali in a statement.
"Such a disproportionate step by Russia would only serve to further isolate it internationally," she said.
Meanwhile, NATO Friday also expressed solidarity with Bulgaria.
"Bulgariaآ’s decision to expel 70 Russian personnel as foreign agents is a sovereign decision which must be respected," said NATO Spokesperson Oana Lungescu in a statement.
"NATO Allies strongly condemn Russiaآ’s long-standing pattern of coercive behaviour, attempts to interfere in our democratic processes and institutions and to target the security of our citizens. We stand in solidarity with our Ally Bulgaria," she added. (end) nk.mt