“... We strongly condemn the measures announced on Friday, April 30, by the Russian authorities against a number of European officials, including the President of the European Parliament, Vice-President of the European Commission Ms Yurova and French MP Jacques Mayor,” RIA Novosti reported.
As highlighted, these measures "are unlikely to lead to a reduction in current tensions" and therefore Paris expects Moscow to "behave responsibly" in order to achieve a relaxation of these tensions.
“This message was transmitted on Monday, May 3, to the Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Mr. Alexei Meshkov, when he was summoned to the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs,” the Foreign Ministry said.
The ministry noted that concern was also expressed to the Russian ambassador in connection with the recent adoption in Russia of a decree that restricts the hiring of employees in diplomatic missions in the field.
Earlier it was reported that Russia's Permanent Representative to the EU Vladimir Chizhov gave the EU an explanation of Moscow's retaliatory sanctions measures against eight European citizens.
On April 30, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that, on the basis of reciprocity, entry into the country was closed for eight citizens of EU countries and representatives of European structures.
Among them was the President of the European Parliament David Maria Sassoli.