Russia asks Australian Supreme Court to protect lease for new embassy in Canberra - RIA

Russia's embassy in Australia has asked the Supreme Court to uphold a land lease for a new embassy it wants to build in Canberra, Russia's state RIA news agency reported on Friday, citing the Russian diplomatic mission.

Citing national security concerns, Australia earlier this month passed a law to cancel Russia's lease on the land which is a prime site close to parliament and the Chinese embassy.

The Australian newspaper reported on Thursday that a Russian diplomat was squatting on the land intended for the new embassy under the watch of police, who are unable to arrest him as he has diplomatic immunity.