Russian authorities have taken Australia to court over the cancellation of a site slated for the construction of its embassy.
The challenge was launched on Oct. 6 in the Federal Court of Australia with Russia’s lawyers arguing the local planning authority did not have power to terminate their lease for a site in Yarralumla.
Lawyer Elliot Hyde also argued they were concerned key Russian diplomatic figures could be expelled from the country if the legal fight dragged on for too long.
Justice Steven Rares of the Federal Court agreed, according to AAP.
In mid-August, the National Capital Authority terminated the lease in Yarralumla, a precinct home to several other embassies including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and French missions….