France slams Algeria’s expulsions as ‘unjustifiable,’ urges return to ‘frank dialogue’

ISTANBUL

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Wednesday described Algeria’s decision to expel 12 French officials as "very regrettable" and "unjustifiable," as tensions between the two countries escalate.

"We are in a situation that is very regrettable," Barrot said in an interview with France Inter, warning that the move has led to a rapid deterioration in dialogue between Paris and Algiers.

"It is indeed a case where dialogue is deteriorating abruptly due to an unjustifiable decision," he said.

He confirmed that France has responded by expelling 12 Algerian agents stationed in the country and recalling its ambassador from Algiers for consultations.

"We are demonstrating, without any ambiguity, our ability to respond without hesitation and with firmness," Barrot said.

Barrot emphasized that France does not seek to escalate the situation further.

"I don’t believe in showing off strength even more," he said, noting that Paris aims to maintain diplomatic prudence.

Algeria ordered on Monday 12 French embassy officials to leave the country within 48 hours, after the indictment of three men in Paris, one of whom worked for an Algerian consulate in France, on terrorism-related charges.

While Barrot refrained from speculating on the future of bilateral discussions, he underlined the importance of re-establishing dialogue in the long run.

"I won’t make any assumptions about the future of our discussions with Algeria," he said.

"I will simply say this: if we want results for the French people, sooner or later, we will have to return to a frank, clear-eyed, and demanding dialogue. That is where we are."