The Algerian authorities have ordered 12 employees of the French Embassy to leave Algerian territory within 48 hours, according to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Monday.
Barrot stated that the Algerian decision came in response to the arrest of three Algerian nationals in France. In a written statement to journalists, he said, « I urge the Algerian authorities to reverse this expulsion measure, which has no connection to the ongoing judicial proceedings in France. »
He added, « If the decision to expel our staff is upheld, we will have no choice but to respond immediately. »
