France said that Algeria had threatened to expel 12 French diplomatic staff and warned that it would take immediate retaliatory action if the measure was carried out. This was reported by the “Reuters“ agency, citing a statement by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, reports News.bg.
“Algerian authorities demand that 12 of our employees leave Algerian territory within 48 hours“, Barrot announced. "If the decision remains in force, we will have no choice but to respond immediately," he added.
At the moment, there is no official confirmation from Algeria of the planned expulsion.
This is another episode in the tense relations between the two countries, which are marked by deep historical and diplomatic contradictions. Tensions escalated after Algeria protested over the weekend against the arrest in France of an Algerian consular official suspected of involvement in the kidnapping of Algerian opposition figure Amir Bouhors.
According to French media, three people, including the diplomatic agent, are being investigated in the case.
Although only a week ago, Minister Barrot expressed hope for normalization of bilateral relations after a visit to Algeria, the crisis shows how unstable they remain.
Last year, French President Emmanuel Macron angered Algeria by openly supporting Morocco's position on the disputed Western Sahara region.