Algeria condemns French president’s remarks on colonial past

French President Emmanuel Macron (R) poses with French historian Benjamin Stora for the delivery of a report on the colonisation and the Algerian War at the Elysee Palace in Paris on January 20, 2021 [CHRISTIAN HARTMANN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images]

Algeria on Saturday issued a statement that condemned the French president’s remarks on the colonial past, reports Anadolu Agency.

The statement by the Algerian Presidency that was broadcast on state television said, “Macron’s remarks are an unacceptable insult to the memory of over 5.63 million martyrs who sacrificed themselves with a valiant resistance against French colonialism (between 1830-1962).”

It said numerous colonial crimes committed by France is a genocide against the Algerian people and noted statements attributed to Macron were not officially denied.

It said Algeria rejects interference in its internal affairs and the Algerian Ambassador to Paris Mohammed Anter Davud has been recalled for consultations.

Macron made a remark about Algeria on Thursday and blamed the country for hatred against France.

“Was there an Algerian nation before French colonisation? That is the question,” he said.

READ: Algeria slams France’s decision to reduce visas for its citizens

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