Russia asks Netherlands to explain diplomat's detention

Moscow, Oct 10 (IANS/ITAR -TASS) Russia Thursday asked the Netherlands for an explanation over the detention of its senior diplomat in The Hague and warned the Dutch authorities of "possible consequences" if it is not received before the end of this week.

"We expect detailed explanations of the incident from Dutch partners," Russian foreign ministry spokesman Aleksander Lukashevich told reporters.

"We will hope that this may be done to us in an official reciprocal note with explanations and a theory of the incident from the Dutch side soon. We would like to hope that this will happen before the end of this week," he said.

He also added Russia hopes that the Netherlands would analyse correctly possible consequences of illegal actions against its diplomat and would find a solution that would not deteriorate bilateral relations.

On Oct 6, Dmitry Borodin, a minister-counsellor in the Russian embassy, was attacked in his flat in The Hague.

Police said they received a complaint from Borodin's neighbour over the diplomat's treatment of his children.

Borodin said that he told them about his diplomatic status and tried to prevent them from entering the flat. However, he was overpowered and have handcuffed.

Dutch Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans has already offered apologies to Russia over the incident.

However, Lukashevich said the detention is unacceptable as the Vienna Convention grants immunity to diplomatic staff.