Syria responds: Foreign diplomats being expelled

Syria violence turning into civil war?

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Syria announces action against diplomats from 11 countries


• The U.S. and British officials expelled are already home


• Last week, Syria expelled the Dutch charge d'affaires

(CNN) -- Syria announced Tuesday it is expelling some diplomats from 11 countries, a week after those nations expelled Syrian officials in a coordinated response to a massacre and the government's violent crackdown on the opposition.

Syria's Foreign Ministry said diplomats from the United States, Britain, Switzerland, Turkey, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany and Canada were being declared persona non grata.

Among them is U.S. Ambassador Robert Ford, who has been back in the United States since the U.S. government closed its embassy in Syria in February.

British Ambassador Simon Collis, who is also back in Britain, is on the list as well.

Turkey's ambassador and all members of the embassy -- diplomats and administrators -- are expelled, the Syrian Foreign Ministry said.

All members of the Canadian embassy are listed as well.

Last week, Syria expelled the Dutch charge d'affaires after the Netherlands was among countries expelling Syrian diplomats.

Many world leaders blame Syria for a massacre in Houla that left more than 100 people dead. Syria denies responsibility.

Source & Image : CNN World