Algeria has demanded the immediate deportation of French embassy employees “appointed in violation of established procedures.”

The Algerian News Agency reported that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received the chargé d’affaires from the French embassy and requested the immediate removal of all employees appointed illegally.

The Algerian Foreign Ministry pointed to “serious violations” on the part of France, stating that 15 French employees had been assigned to diplomatic or consular duties in Algeria without fulfilling the necessary procedures, such as prior official notification or a request for accreditation.