Russia summons Baltic diplomats over no response to safe polling request

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia summoned the Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian charge d'affaires on Tuesday over the lack of response to Moscow's request to ensure safe voting for Russian citizens living in the Baltic states in the presidential election next month.

"We stated to the Balts that, in accordance with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and on the basis of generally accepted international practice, the duty to take all appropriate measures to protect diplomatic missions lies with the host states," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement.

Moscow once again demanded the authorities of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of voters, as well as employees of the embassies of the Russian Federation during the voting period, she emphasized.

"Creating difficulties during the elections will cause serious protest among Russian citizens living in these countries, as it violates their constitutional rights," she warned.

The official highlighted that Russia will continue seeking the Baltic countries to fulfill their obligations and, in the event of continued sabotage, "will act decisively in the bilateral context and in international structures, placing responsibility on the authorities of the Baltic states for such a position."

The presidential election in Russia is scheduled from March 15-17.