Algerian president hails national stability on anniversary of French massacres

Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said on Friday that his country has been able to defend its stability and security in the light of the on-going political earthquakes in the Arab region, Anadolu has reported. The president made his comments in a letter published to mark the 70th anniversary of the massacres carried out by French occupation forces on 8 May 1945 in the eastern city of Steef. Official estimates are that 45,000 Algerians were killed in a peaceful demonstration calling for Algerian independence.

Bouteflika called on Algerian citizens, mainly the youth, to be “wise and continue their work to face challenges and difficulties through consolidating the domestic front in order to win the battle of the future.” He reiterated that his country’s diplomats are exerting all efforts to solve the problems facing the nation in order to spread peace and stability and afford everyone a “decent and prosperous life.”

Local radio stations said that thousands took to the streets of Steef to remember the massacres, following in the footsteps of those who were killed. The French authorities have not responded to civil and official calls from Algeria to apologise for the slaughter, even though they acknowledge them.

On 19 April, the French Secretary of State for War Veterans and Memory, Jean-Marc Todeschini, visited Steef and laid a wreath at a memorial for the victims of the massacre. It was the first ever official move in this regard.