Russia’s plans to build a new embassy close to the Australian Parliament in Canberra suffered a setback on Monday when a court in that country granted the government’s application to seize the land.
Australia is preventing the Russians from building the new embassy on the specific site after intelligence agencies warned it could be used as a base to spy on members of parliament.
Last week, Russia hastily obtained a court order to keep the land, while at the same time the country deployed a mysterious diplomat to stick to the land while the court case continued.
However, Australia’s High Court ruled on Monday morning that Russia must leave the premises – at least until the case is heard again for more comprehensive arguments.
The squatter diplomat was seen leaving the premises shortly after the verdict. He was whisked away in a diplomatic vehicle.
“The court made it clear that at this stage there is no legal basis for a Russian presence to be continued on the premises,” Anthony Albanese, Australian prime minister, said after the verdict.
“We expect the Russian Federation to act in accordance with the court order.”
Russia took over the lease for the land in 2008 and in 2011 got permission to build its new embassy there. However, last week the Australian government announced that it was now tearing up this agreement.
The Australian Parliament has approved legislation specifically aimed at preventing a Russian embassy from being built on the land. It is located about 400 meters from the parliament building.
“The government received very clear security recommendations about the risk of a Russian presence so close to the parliament building,” Albanese said earlier.
More aid to Ukraine
Albanians also announced a new military aid package to Ukraine on Monday. These include 28 M113 armored personnel carriers and an unspecified amount of 105mm howitzer projectiles.
“We support international efforts to ensure that Putin’s aggression fails and that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity continue,” says Albanese.
The package does not include Hawkei armored patrol vehicles or any more Bushmaster infantry vehicles. Ukraine previously requested both.
