WASHINGTON ( CNN ) -- The State Department called the expulsion of the second U.S. diplomat from Ecuador in just over a week `` unjustified , '' rejecting charges the diplomats meddled in Ecuador 's internal affairs . First Secretary Mark Sullivan has been given 48 hours to leave the U.S. embassy in Quito , Ecuador . On Wednesday , the Ecuadorian government expelled First Secretary Mark Sullivan , whom it accused of meddling in the government 's internal police policies , giving him 48 hours to leave the country . On February 7 , the government expelled Armando Astorga , an attaché with the Department of Homeland Security working in the U.S. Embassy . Acting Deputy Spokesman Gordon Duguid said the expulsions stem from the fact that certain Ecuadorian police were banned from taking part in U.S. counternarcotics training programs , but rejected `` any suggestion of wrongdoing by embassy staff . '' `` Despite the government of Ecuador 's unjustified actions , we remain committed to working collaboratively with Ecuador to confront narcotics trafficking , '' Duguid said . Asked whether the State Department would reciprocate the expulsions by kicking out Ecuadorian diplomats from the United States , Duguid would say only , `` We will respond as appropriate . '' A senior State Department official suggested the police in Ecuador police did not meet the criteria to take part in the training , noting , `` The United States does have procedures that require it to vet candidates for U.S.-funded training . '' The official added , `` In some countries this is seen as onerous . However , it is part of the legal accountability measures we must follow . ''
Government gives First Secretary Mark Sullivan 48 hours to leave the country . Sullivan is accused of meddling in internal police policies . The State Department calls the action 'unjustified ' nd says it will consider sanctions against Russia if necessary.