Russia Continues Pulling Out Embassy Staff

Two diplomats and Embassy security guards will remain in the Russian Embassy in Tbilisi, while the rest of staff will leave for Russia on September 30, Interfax and RIA Novosti news agencies reported.

Most of the staff and their family members, including Ambassador Viacheslav Kovalenko, left Georgia on September 29 as part of a ?partial evacuation? from Georgia  response to the arrest of four Russian military officers charged with espionage. Georgia described Russia?s move as ?hysteria.?

Meanwhile, Georgian police continue to cordon off the Headquarters of the Russian Troops in Trans-Caucasus in Tbilisi. Georgia is calling for  the extradition of one more Russian officer, allegedly sheltering in the Headquarters, who is also accused of spying. Russia has ruled out extradition.

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