A video that has recently circulated in the Russian media shows the Norwegian diplomat strongly scolding the receptionists at a hotel in a Russian city.
The reason is said to be, among other things, that she did not get the room she ordered. According to the video, the woman arrives at the front desk and says upset that someone else is sleeping in her room.
– You just mess everything up. This is shameful, she says to the two receptionists and says that something similar had also happened to someone else she knows.
She gets a new room, but is skeptical about the cleanliness.
– So you want me to move to another room where someone has had a party and has just left? she asks, adding quite plainly:
– I hate Russians!
– I am from Scandinavia and used to clean rooms
She then requests a new room and asks again how clean it is.
– This is disgusting. I’m used to clean rooms. I’m from Scandinavia, and not used to a Russian woman who only washes “like this”, she says, miming very superficial washing with her hands.
At one point the woman asks for the key to the room and says that she will stand outside the door and watch how the cleaner cleans the room.
– This hotel is shameful, and you people in general are shameful, she finally says to the receptionists.
It is unclear who she is referring to by “you people”.
UD: – I am very sorry
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms to NRK on Saturday that the woman is a Norwegian diplomat in Russia. The incident happened earlier this summer.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further states that they “deeply regret” that the incident took place.
– The statement in no way reflects Norwegian politics or Norwegian attitudes towards Russia and Russians. The matter is now being followed up internally in the ministry, says communications manager Tuva Boksnes in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ministry has no further details or comments in connection with the incident at this time.
Russia reacts
Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has come out and condemned what they call a “hate tirade” from the Norwegian consul.
According to the Russian state channel Russia Today, spokeswoman Maria Zakharova writes on her Telegram account that the ministry is now considering its options.
– The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now considering how we should respond to this terrible act of hatred, nationalism and xenophobia, writes Zakharova.
NRK has not yet succeeded in getting in touch with the Norwegian diplomat in the video.
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