France expels two Azerbaijani diplomats in reciprocal action
France declared two Azerbaijani diplomats "persona non grata" on Wednesday, a day after Azerbaijan expelled two French diplomats.
The French Foreign Ministry announced that this expulsion was a reciprocal measure and confirmed that it had summoned Azerbaijan's ambassador to Paris on the same day.
The ministry's statement also acknowledged Azerbaijan's earlier decision to expel two French diplomatic staff members in Baku, branding them "persona non grata."
France "categorically denies the allegations made by Azerbaijan to justify its decision," the statement added.
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry, on Tuesday, announced the expulsion of two French diplomats, citing activities "incompatible with their diplomatic status."
In its statement, the Azerbaijani ministry mentioned that it had summoned French Ambassador Anne Boillon to address the conduct of the French mission's employees.
Boillon was notified that the expelled diplomats must leave Azerbaijan within 48 hours.
