Algeria - Q&A from the press briefing (12 April 2021)

Q : In an interview with the Arabic Post, Algerian Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson Ammar Belhimer urged Ambassador of France to Algeria François Gouyette to stop meeting with opposition leaders, notably those linked to the Hirak movement, and warned that Algeria would “take the necessary measures to correct the situation if that does not happen.” Are such demands and threats consistent with diplomatic norms and the desire to ease bilateral relations expressed by France? Will you lodge a formal protest?

A : We regret these various statements, which do not reflect the quality of our bilateral relations or the drive to strengthen them, supported at the highest level by the authorities of our two countries. The ambassador of France to Algeria conducts his mission with full respect for Algeria’s sovereignty. He works to strengthen our bilateral relations, in accordance with the wishes of the French authorities.