Algeria has reacted sharply to the detention of its consular representative by French law enforcement, calling the move an unacceptable interference and warning of consequences for bilateral relations. This is reported by Reuters, UNN reports.
Details
The protest took place on Saturday after French investigators opened a case against three people, including an employee of the Algerian consulate. They are suspected of involvement in the kidnapping of an Algerian citizen in France.
The Algerian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the situation is "unprecedented" and indicates an attempt to sabotage the restoration of contacts between Algeria and Paris. Diplomats warned that such behavior by the French side could seriously damage the already fragile relations between the two countries.
This is the case of Amir Bukhors, an open critic of the Algerian authorities, who is called by official Algeria a "accomplice of terrorist structures." His disappearance in France became the reason for the investigation, which caused a new wave of diplomatic tension.
From a historical point of view, relations between France and its former colony remain complex. They became even more complicated last year when Emmanuel Macron supported the Moroccan autonomy plan for Western Sahara, an issue to which Algeria reacts extremely painfully.
Additional tension was caused by the decision of the Algerian court, which in March sentenced writer Boualem Sansal to five years in prison. In Paris, this was perceived as an attack on freedom of speech, and President Macron called for the artist's release.
Despite recent statements by the French Foreign Minister about the alleged "normalization" of the dialogue, the scandal with the detention of the Algerian diplomat indicates the opposite. The diplomatic crisis is unfolding against the background of France's constant economic and security interests in the North African region, where Algeria remains a key player.
The Algerian side has already promised that it is not going to leave the incident without reaction. Now it is Paris' turn to react.
Algeria accuses France of destabilizing the situation in the country16.12.24, 05:37