This picture taken on August 25, 2022 shows French and Algerian flags in Algiers for an official visit [LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images]
This picture taken on August 25, 2022 shows French and Algerian flags in Algiers for an official visit [LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images]
Algeria has rejected what it described as France’s “language of threats and blackmail,” stressing that Paris must adhere to the official channels agreed upon by both countries to address bilateral issues, Rai al-Youm reported.
In a statement published on its X account on Tuesday, the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it had refused to accept a list of Algerian nationals set for deportation from France, describing the list as selectively compiled.
The statement noted that Lounès Magramane, Secretary-General of the Algerian Foreign Ministry, met with the chargé d’affaires of the French embassy in Algiers, who was formally informed of Algeria’s response.
In its reply, Algeria firmly rejected all forms of threats, ultimatums, and blackmail, criticising what it called France’s “selective approach” to bilateral and international agreements between the two countries.
The statement also stressed that France cannot unilaterally revise the established procedures for handling deportation cases, urging Paris to respect the existing framework.
According to the statement, Algeria emphasised that the 1994 protocol agreement cannot be implemented separately from the 1974 consular relations agreement. It added that the enforcement of one legal text should not come at the expense of the other, particularly regarding respect for the rights of individuals facing deportation.
Algeria further stated that it had decided not to review the list of Algerian nationals France seeks to expel.
Tensions between Algeria and France have escalated due to several issues, including Paris’s recent stance on Western Sahara and the deportation of Algerian influencers residing in France.
READ:Algeria suspends consular services in municipal districts in southern France