BBC News Online: World: Europe

Greece and Turkey expel diplomats in spy row

Greece has carried out its threat to expel a Turkish diplomat, in response to Monday's decision to expel a Greek consular official, accused of gathering information on Turkish military installations.

Athens condemned the expulsion and said Greece would demand the withdrawal of a Turkish official of similar rank.

Correspondents believe the expulsion of the Greek diplomat can be linked to Turkey's failure last week to be included among countries actively being considered for European Union membership.

They say the spy row will further complicate the already difficult relations between two long-standing rivals.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service