OREANDA-NEWS  The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has cancelled the tightening of travel rules for Russian diplomats, which was initiated by the previous government and included in the 19th package of EU sanctions. This was reported by the Seznam Zprávy portal, citing sources in the special services.

"Foreign Minister Petr Matsinka canceled the measures... to restrict the travel of Russian diplomats to EU countries, which were initiated by the previous Czech government of Prime Minister Petr Fiala," the publication says.

The restrictive measures were supposed to come into force on January 25. Under the terms of the sanctions package, Russian diplomats accredited in EU countries are required to notify the authorities of the Schengen area state whose border they intend to cross, including cases of transit travel.

In October last year, the EU approved the 19th package of sanctions against Russia, mostly aimed at oil and gas exports. The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaya Kallas, added that the package restricts the movement of Russian diplomats "to counter attempts at destabilization."