Algeria reiterates it holds France accountable for nuclear tests

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
24 Jan 2025 12:05

Salah Goudjil, Speaker of the Council of the Nation in Algeria, called for confronting the campaign led by some French ministers against Algeria with full strength and determination.

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View of the Algerian Senate as Salah Goudjil was elected speaker of the upper house of parliament, or Senate, in Algiers, Wednesday, Feb.24, 2021 (AP)

Algerian Minister of Environment and Quality of Life, Najiba Djilali, confirmed on Thursday that Algeria's demand for France to take responsibility for the catastrophic fallout from nuclear tests in the southern region during the colonial era will be "clearly and explicitly" included in national environmental legislation to strengthen the rights of current and future generations.

Following the approval of the law on waste management, monitoring, and removal by the Council of the Nation, in a public session chaired by Speaker Salah Goudjil, the minister considered the new law as "having dimensions that go beyond current environmental challenges, carrying within it strong messages related to historical and environmental justice."

She pointed to "the catastrophic remnants of the nuclear tests carried out by the brute colonizers in our desert."

Djilali also emphasized that those responsible for this environmental disaster, resulting from nuclear tests that represent yet another violation against Algeria and its people, must fully bear their historical, ethical, and legal responsibilities in removing radioactive waste and acknowledging the immense damage it caused to the country and the populations in the Adrar, Reggane, and In Ekker regions, as well as others.

She reiterated the importance of continuing to work on this file through "all available means to ensure our people's right and protect our environment from these destructive consequences."

Speaker of the Council of the Nation condemns revival of colonial ideas by French officials

On his part, Salah Goudjil, Speaker of the Council of the Nation, called for confronting the campaign led by some French ministers against Algeria with full strength and determination.

On Thursday, Goudjil explained that Algeria possesses all the financial resources, both "domestic and foreign," to face all future challenges, thanks to the absence of foreign debt, which grants the country decision-making independence.

In a speech following the approval of the law on waste management, monitoring, and removal, Goudjil stated that Algeria has regained its standing, is politically independent, and will achieve its economic independence, especially as it enjoys all the necessary financial resources to face any challenges.

He considered the approval of these laws as "an opportunity to revisit memory and draw inspiration for the correct path to the present and future in confronting Algeria's enemies," urging consideration of the country's position globally following the significant changes the world has seen in recent years.

Goudjil further condemned the "revival of colonial ideas and mentalities by the French government and some of its ministers," calling for the need to confront this phase with utmost seriousness, as one united force, while also praising the Algerian diaspora's stance in responding to the campaign against the country.