French FM: Sooner or Later, We Must Reopen Honest Talks with Algeria
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot defends firm yet diplomatic approach following the mutual expulsion of consular staff.
Watan-French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Wednesday that France had demonstrated its ability to “respond without hesitation and firmly” to Algeria, but stressed that in the “long term,” dialogue with Algeria must be resumed “in the interest of the French people.”
Speaking to France Inter radio, Barrot stated: “Quite simply, if we want results for the French people, we must one day return to a frank and clear dialogue” with the Algerian authorities. His comments came a day after the Élysée announced the expulsion of 12 Algerian consular aides in response to a similar move made by Algeria.
Barrot defended his approach following domestic criticism that labeled his stance as too moderate.
Barrot Defends Moderate Approach, Urges Dialogue with Algeria
He explained: “We have a vested interest in establishing a normal relationship with Algeria and moving beyond the tension so that we can deport Algerians residing illegally, open dialogue in intelligence matters, combat terrorism, and succeed in securing the release of our citizen Boualem Sansal, who is arbitrarily detained in Algeria.”
He added, “Dialogue is the only way to resolve tension in a sustainable way,” and stated that those who call for alternatives to dialogue are “irresponsible.”
He emphasized, “We must give dialogue a chance.”
Tensions Escalate Between France and Algeria After Diplomatic Expulsions
Earlier in April, Barrot visited Algeria, where he met with his counterpart Ahmed Attaf and President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
“We obtained results,” he said, stressing that “an independent judicial decision triggered a completely disproportionate and harsh reaction, to which we could only respond firmly.”
On Sunday, Algerian authorities declared 12 French Interior Ministry employees in Algeria persona non grata and gave them 48 hours to leave the country. This was in response to the arrest of an Algerian consular aide in France.
On Monday evening, Algeria defended its “sovereign” decision and held French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau “fully responsible” for this new escalation in tensions between the two countries.
