Suspected Russian diplomat is 'some guy standing on a blade of grass'

An obvious squatter caused a row between Moscow and Canberra. Photo: YOANN CAMBEFORT/AFP

A suspected Russian diplomat, squatting on a piece of wasteland in Canberra where Moscow wanted to build a new embassy, ​​was called «some guy standing on a blade of grass» by the Australian prime minister.

The Russian government had hoped to build its new embassy on the site in the Australian capital, but the government vetoed the plan last week for security reasons.

The site, which is a piece of wasteland, is located about 400 yards from Parliament, and the Australian MPs were concerned that it could be used as a base for espionage and surveillance.

The government canceled the lease on the site, sparked a diplomatic row with Moscow when the Russian government accused Australia of «Russophobic hysteria.» since Sunday, and the Australian press has published photos of him wearing a down jacket to protect himself from the cold of winter in the southern hemisphere, and smoking a cigarette.

Confrontation

Asked if he was concerned about the apparent squatter, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday: «The national security threat posed by the Russian embassy on site is not the same as some guy standing on a blade of grass in the grass.» the website is what we don't really see as a threat to our national security.”

He said he was «confident» the standoff would be resolved when asked if the diplomat would be declared a person. non grata and deported.

Mr. Albanese's words were echoed by Home Secretary Claire O'Neill, who said Australia's national security was not in danger of being compromised by the «site guy.»

Russia vowed to challenge its new embassy's veto in Australia's highest court.

«The Russian Federation has notified the Commonwealth of its intention to initiate High Court proceedings in which they will challenge the validity of the constitutional grounds legislation,» said Ms O'Neal .

Russian play

The government added in a statement: “The Russian challenge to the validity of the law is not unexpected. It's part of Russia's strategy.»

Russia signed a lease on the site back in 2008, and in 2011 received permission to build a new embassy.

But Moscow's invasion of Ukraine changed its relationship with the West, including Australia, which condemned the attack and sent weapons to Kiev.

Australia is Ukraine's largest non-NATO arms supplier, supplying armored personnel carriers and Bushmaster missiles. . Australian soldiers have been sent to the UK to help train Ukrainian recruits.

Appointing a diplomat to occupy the site will not help the Russians in their legal challenge, said Don Rothwell, an international law expert at the Australian National University. .

«What they are doing is a diplomatic act of civil disobedience, expressing their dissatisfaction with the actions of the Australian government,» he said.