�������t¶��

They include the closure of the main border crossing linking the two countries, the suspension of a water-sharing treaty and the expulsion of diplomats.

Two students have questioned a university's commitment to freedom of speech after they feared expulsion over a pro-Palestinian protest.

An incensed Algiers said the consular official's arrest was aimed to "humiliate" Algeria and responded by ordering the expulsion of 12 French officials who it said were all under the supervision of France's interior ministry.

Barrot urged Algeria to "abandon" the expulsions and said France was ready to "respond immediately" if they went ahead.

But during his questioning by a Senate committee, he sought to play down some of his past statements, saying he would "carry out the president's priorities", not his, and denied backing the expulsion of Palestinians.