European countries expel Syrian ambassadors
German, Italian and Spanish foreign ministries announced today that Syrian ambassadors are being expelled.
The announcement follows similar moves by Britain, France, Australia and Canada after a massacre in which the United Nations says families were shot at close range in their homes.
The ambassador to Germany, Radwan Loutfi, was today given 72 hours to leave Germany.
Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said Germany and its allies hope "that this unambiguous message does not fall on deaf ears in Damascus".
The Italian Foreign Ministry said Ambassador Khaddour Hassan was called to the ministry and informed of his new status - which was also extended to an unspecified number of Syrian officials.
Spain said it was giving Syrian Ambassador Hussam Edin Aala and four other diplomats based in Madrid three days to leave the country.
