France, May 12 -- Algeria has ordered the expulsion of more French diplomatic staff, in the ongoing deterioration of relations between the two countries. France's foreign ministry said France will respond in a "firm" and "proportionate" way.

"The decision is incomprehensible and brutal," Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Monday at a press briefing about Algeria's request Sunday for staff at the French embassy in Algeria to leave.

On Sunday the Algerian Foreign Affairs Ministry notified the French charge d'affaires of the expulsion of 15 people temporarily stationed at the French embassy in Algeria.

Algeria's justification

Algiers said the diplomatic agents did not have the right documents and had failed follow the proper procedur...