Attaf confirme la reprise du dialogue – Le Jeune Indépendant

While Algerian-French relations have gone through notable tensions in recent months, a process of contacts is currently underway between the two countries, announced the Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, during a press conference held yesterday in Algiers.

“The resumption of contact between the Algerian side and the French side preceded the pardon decision taken by the President of the Republic with regard to Boualem Sansal,” said the minister, stressing that “this person must not have more than he deserves, the relations between the two countries are greater than him.”

Ahmed Attaf recalled the fact that this resumption of contact is not linked to the release of the writer, which took place on November 12 after almost a year of detention, which he described as a gesture of “humanity” and “appeasement”. According to him, “Algerian-French relations are bigger than that” and cannot be affected by the campaigns led by certain groups in France.

The minister confirmed the existence of an ongoing “contact process” between Algiers and Paris, specifying that it is not a major initiative but a progressive approach aimed at reestablishing dialogue. According to him, this resumption of contact is part of a sovereign approach, intended to protect Algeria’s interests while paving the way for constructive future cooperation.

Signs of a rapprochement have been perceptible since the change of government in France at the beginning of October, notably with the departure of Bruno Retailleau from the post of Minister of the Interior. His successor, Laurent Nuñez, adopts a more peaceful approach towards Algeria and has confirmed that he will soon go to Algiers, probably in December, to speak directly with his Algerian counterpart.

Laurent Nuñez underlined the importance of rebuilding trust and relaunching a blocked bilateral relationship, while the French Ambassador to Algiers, Stéphane Romatet, recalled that “an approach of frank dialogue, based on equality between partners, can help unblock the situation”. French President Emmanuel Macron, for his part, expressed his availability to discuss with Abdelmadjid Tebboune on “all subjects of interest to our two countries”.