Egypt says the Turkish ambassador must go, accusing Ankara of backing unnamed organizations bent on undermining the country.

Egyptian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Ambassador Badr Abdelatty:

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) EGYPTIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON, AMBASSADOR BADR ABDELATTY, SAYING:

"The Egyptian government followed with great disapproval the statements of the Turkish Prime Minister on the internal affairs of Egypt, made on the night of November 21 before he left for Moscow. This represents a new episode in a string of instances and statements issued by them (Turkey) that reflect an unacceptable determination to challenge the will of the great Egyptian people..."

But the Turkish Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, retaliated by declaring the Egyptian ambassador to Turkey persona non grata.

Embassies will remain open in both countries, headed by their respective charge d'affaires, effectively a diplomatic number two.