Algeria threatens retaliation to violations of the 1968 agreement
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The announcement comes after Algeria and France got into a diplomatic row following the deportation of a 59-year-old influencer, reigniting tensions between the two countries.
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Algeria Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf addresses the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 (AP)
Algeria affirmed its position against France's hostile rhetoric in a statement released by the Algerian foreign ministry, assuring that it will retaliate firmly and immediately to any restrictions imposed on travel between Algiers and Paris with any measures that its national interests require.
The statement emphasized that "any violation of the 1968 agreement, which has already been emptied of all its substance and essence, will result in a similar decision by Algeria regarding other agreements and protocols of the same nature."
"Amid escalation and tensions added by the French side to relations between Algeria and France, Algeria did not initiate any form of rupture and instead left the French side to bear full responsibility alone," adding that Algeria took on the responsibility of self-restraint and is exercising its rights and fulfilling its duties to Algerian nationals in France.
Algeria went on to accuse France of breaching commitments by arbitrarily deporting Algerians and denying them legal recourse. It also blames the French far-right for worsening tensions and politicizing bilateral relations.
Tensions rise between Algeria and France
France and Algeria got into a diplomatic row in January 2025 after France deported the 59-year-old influencer "Doualemn" for posting a controversial video on TikTok, and he was quickly returned as Algeria refused to allow his entry.
France's Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau accused Algeria on Friday of seeking to humiliate France, while Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, warning of potential visa restrictions or aid cuts, stated that France would have no option but to retaliate if Algeria continued to escalate the dispute.
Algeria clarified that its decision was "motivated by the desire to allow him to respond to the accusations brought against him, to assert his rights and to defend himself within the framework of a fair and equitable judicial process on French territory."
Previously, diplomatic tensions between France and Algeria intensified following French President Marcon's remarks saying that Morocco was the "only foundation" for resolving the long-standing Western Sahara conflict.
The official news agency APS quoted the Algerian Foreign Ministry, stating that the country's diplomatic representation in France is now under the responsibility of a chargé d'affaires, while condemning Macron's statement as an unprecedented move that no previous French government had taken.
