ISTANBUL 

France on Tuesday said it is expelling 12 Algerian officials, as tensions between Paris and Algiers escalate following the expulsion of 12 French officials.

“In response to their unjustified and incomprehensible decision, we are expelling 12 Algerian agents and recalling our ambassador for consultations,” Foreign Minister Jean Noel-Barrot wrote on X.

He said were responding “as announced” since Algeria chose “escalation.”

“Dialogue is always welcome, but not one-sided,” he added.

The expulsion of Algerian envoys was also confirmed by the French presidency.

"The Algerian authorities bear the responsibility for a sudden deterioration in our bilateral relations,” the Elysee palace said in a statement, underlining that France takes note of the Algerian decision with “dismay.”

Describing the decision as “unjustified and incomprehensible,” the presidency said the expulsion “disregards” the basic principles of their judicial procedures.

“In this difficult context, France will defend its interests and will continue to demand that Algeria fully respect its obligations toward us, particularly with regard to our national security and cooperation on migration matters,” statement said.

It stressed that these demands go “hand in hand” with the French “ambition” for its relationship with Algeria.

“It is in the very interest of both France and Algeria to resume dialogue. The President of the Republic calls on the Algerian authorities to show responsibility within the framework of the demanding and constructive dialogue initiated on March 31 with the Algerian President,” statement added.

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. 

An Algerian Foreign Ministry statement defended its “sovereign” decision to expel the French diplomats, blaming French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau for his infringe on its sovereignty and the resurgence of the diplomatic crisis between the two countries.

The statement described the arrest of the Algerian consular official on April 8 as a "libelous," and "a flagrant violation of the diplomatic norms."

It also held Retailleau responsible for the incident's consequence on bilateral ties, warning any further infringe act on Algeria's sovereignty will be met with "a firm and appropriate response based on reciprocity." 

Barrot had earlier called the Algerian move "regrettable" and warned it "will not be without consequences."