by Alexia Vlachou

ATHENS, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Greece's Foreign Ministry has criticized Moscow for "disrespect" in the case of the Russian diplomats' expulsion from Greece, after comments made by the spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.

"Today's statements from the spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs are a characteristic example of disrespect for a third country and a lack of understanding of today's world, in which countries, regardless of their size, are independent and can exercise an independent, multidimensional and democratic foreign policy," the statement posted on Greek Foreign Ministry's website read.

The ministry's strong reaction came after Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier that Greece's expulsion of the two Russian diplomats would have consequences.

Athens decided to expel two Russian diplomats and ban another two from entering the country this July, accusing them of intrusion into domestic affairs as well as for illegal acts against national security.

The ministry defended Greece's expulsion decision in the statement, saying "The evidence, based on which Greece acted, was presented to the Russian authorities in time".

It further underlined that Greece has sought to separate the actions of these people from the official Russian foreign policy.

"But in today's statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson embraces and seems to want to legitimize these illegal actions," said the statement.

Russia's Foreign Ministry last Friday summoned Greek Ambassador to Moscow Andreas Friganas to protest the expulsion of Russian diplomats.

"We regard this action as absolutely unfounded," Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement, adding that the act is capable of seriously damaging bilateral ties.