Russia's action to expel our diplomats 'unjustified': Germany

Germany on Thursday called Russia's decision to expel its diplomates "unjustified", warning that Berlin could take "further action" in this escalating issue.

"The German government notes with regret the Russian government's decision to declare two employees of the German embassy in Moscow personae non-gratae," Germany's foreign ministry said in a statement.

It further said that Russia's action "sends the wrong signal and is unjustified."

Last week, Germany expelled two Russian envoys of what it claims non-cooperation in the investigation of the murder of a Georgian in Germany where prosecutors suspect Russian or Chechen involvement. 

In a retaliatory move, Moscow expelled two German envoys. 

On August 23, Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a 40-year-old Georgian national, was shot dead allegedly by a Russian man in Kleiner Tiergarten park in Berlin. The accused who shot at the head of the Georgian was arrested shortly after the incident. 

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters)