France has responded to Algeria’s decision to sack more French diplomats,ordering the departure of a similar number in a tit for tat amid worsening diplomatic,political,and economic ties.
Algeria has declared more French diplomats persona non grata on Sunday,following a similar decision it had taken in mid-April. France summoned the Algerian chargé d’affaires and announced to him that Paris will also expel a number of Algerian diplomats.
This came after the French foreign minister warned that France will respond to the escalation proportionately and firmly.
French foreign minister Jean Noel Barrot said that the Algerian chargé d’affaires was “informed that we reserve the right to take further measures depending on how the situation evolves.”
“The Algerians wanted to send our staff back. We are sending theirs back,” he said.
According to the French foreign ministry,the expulsion of French diplomats was based on a “unilateral decision by the Algerian authorities to establish new conditions for access to Algerian territory for French public officials holding an official,diplomatic,or service passport,in violation of the 2013 bilateral agreement.”
Algeria has picked a fight with France since the latter declared its support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.
The row takes place as the French judiciary investigates members of Algeria’s consular service for attacking opposition figures in France.
United News - unews.co.za