Anthony Albanese: No threat from Russian diplomat squatting on proposed embassy site

Sudney: After it was discovered a Russian diplomat was squatting on the property as a result of the government's decision to cancel the lease, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday that the contested site of a proposed Russian embassy was secure.

Australia passed a law earlier this month, citing national security concerns, to stop Russia from moving its embassy from a suburb of Canberra to a prime location near the Chinese embassy and the parliament.

A Russian diplomat was reportedly squatting on the property on Thursday while being watched by police in Australia, who are unable to arrest him because of diplomatic immunity.

Also Read: A global financial system overhaul is urged by the Paris conference to combat poverty and climate change

"A man standing in the cold on some grass in Canberra is not a threat to our national security," Albanese said at a news conference on Friday. "Australia will stand up for our values and we will stand up for our national security We feel secure in our position and the site is secure."

Also Read: Amnesty claims that Spain and Morocco covered up the death of a migrant in the Melilla enclave

The Canberra-based Russian embassy declined to comment.

Also Read: Despite the UN's claims that Somalia has a "dire hunger emergency," aid has been reduced by millions due to a lack of funding

In retaliation for Australia's own protracted sanctions regime against the nation, Moscow on Wednesday denied entry to 48 Australians.