Algeria Rejects French Interference in Internal Affairs
1 Min Read
Following statements from French President Emmanuel Macron over the history of Algeria, the latter rejects France's interference in its internal affairs.
-
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during a visit by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves le Drian to Algiers on January 21, 2021 (AFP)
Algeria on Saturday rejected "any interference" in its internal affairs hours after recalling its ambassador from Paris. The rejection was over statements from French President Emmanuel Macron discrediting Algeria's history and questioning whether it existed before French colonization.
The Algerian statement came after Algiers recalled its ambassador from Paris following media reports of the French head of state's comments, which are yet to be denied or explained.
"Algeria recalls its ambassador [Mohamed Antar-Daoud] from Paris for consultations," state television said, quoting a statement from the presidency.
"Following remarks that have not been denied, which several French sources have attributed by name to [Macron], Algeria expresses its categorical rejection of the inadmissible interference in its internal affairs," the Algerian presidency added.
This issue between the two countries comes in light of escalating tensions between them in a dispute over visas, which saw France halving the number of visas available for Algerians.
