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Buses Leave US Embassy in Moscow on Expulsion Deadline Day

by Associated Press

   MOSCOW --

   Three buses believed to be carrying expelled diplomats have departed
   from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.

   Before the Thursday morning departure, journalists outside the embassy
   compound saw people leaving the residences, placing luggage on trucks.
   Some toted pet-carriers.

   Russia last week ordered 60 American diplomats to leave the country by
   Thursday, in retaliation for the United States expelling the same
   number of Russians.

   The moves were part of a deepening dispute over the nerve-agent
   poisoning in Britain of a Russian former double-agent and his daughter.
   Britain alleges Russian involvement, which Moscow vehemently denies.

   More than 150 diplomats have been expelled by Britain and allies, and
   Russia has ordered reciprocal moves.