Algeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ramtane Lamamra, on Friday described EU comments on human rights issues in his country as “interference” and demanded “mutual respect,” Algeria Press Service reported.
“If there is a sub-culture that allows interference in the affairs of justice in some countries, it is not part of our culture in Algeria”, Lamamra said at a press briefing after the 9th session of the Algeria-EU Association Council.
Lamamra emphasised the importance of mutual respect between his country and the EU and urged the EU to respect his country’s national sovereignty.
Lamamra said. “We have clarified things and insist on two principles: mutual respect and balance of interests.”
Regarding the general partnership with the EU, the minister said there were still several elements that must be improved, while others must be changed. He said it is time for the European side “to change their attitudes towards Algeria.”
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Lamamra and Federica Mogherini, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, signed a protocol of the Association Agreement enabling Algeria’s participation in 20 Euro-Mediterranean programmes; they include Horizon 2020 and Creative Europe.
The Press Service said that both officials also signed a memorandum of understanding concerning the single support framework for the period 2014‑2017.
This defines three priority sectors of intervention for the EU in Algeria: justice reform and strengthening of citizen participation in public life, labour market reform and job creation and support for the management and diversification of the economy.