Russia calls in Argentina’s ambassador over ‘unfounded’ espionage claims

Russia’s Foreign Ministry has called in Argentina’s ambassador in Moscow seeking an explanation over controversial espionage claims made by a top government official.

According to a report by Russian news site RT, officials summoned Argentina’s envoy Enrique Ignacio Ferrer Vieyra seeking an explanation over statements made by National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich.

In comments reported last week, Bullrich accused the Russian and Venezuelan intelligence services of undertaking illegal espionage in Argentina. She even suggested that they could have been involved in the recent audio recording made inside Casa Rosada that featured the voice of Presidential Chief-of-Staff Karina Milei.

“The Argentine Ambassador was informed that the Russian government firmly denies the minister’s accusations,” which are deemed “unfounded,” since “they have no evidence” behind them, reported RT, quoting a release by the Foreign Ministry in Moscow.

It was also “pointed out that there is a treaty between Russia and Argentina of legal mutual assistance in criminal matters, whereby there is a procedure for the relevant interaction by the competent structures in both countries,” said the website.

The Kremlin added that Bullrich’s statements “do not help keep existing constructive friendly relations” between both nations.

In this vein, Moscow “regrets that Buenos Aires is not willing to move forward towards its progressive development,” as pointed out by the Ministry in its commentary. 

The Russian Foreign Ministry trusts it will receive “a detailed explanation” of the “unacceptable statements” by the minister from the Argentine party “as soon as possible,” it added.

– TIMES/NA