Four German diplomats expelled from Russia: German FM

The German Foreign Ministry said Friday that four of their diplomats were expelled from Russia in retaliation over the Skripal case.

The German government earlier this week expelled four diplomats over the case of the poisoning of the Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Britain.

"This message from Moscow is not surprising," said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, "Our reaction in the case of Skripal was necessary and appropriate as a political signal, in solidarity with Britain and because Russia has refused to clarify any facts."

In a concerted move with the United States, EU and NATO allies expelled Russian diplomats this week.

Maas said even in the current situation, Germany remains ready for a dialogue with Russia, adding Berlin wants to continue working for "a constructive future of relations" between the two countries.

Former Russian double agent Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, were found unconscious on a bench outside a shopping center in Britain's southwestern city of Salisbury on March 4.

Britain claimed the pair were exposed to a nerve agent and held Russia responsible.

The Russian government has denied any role in the incident.