Algeria's parliament condemns law glorifying French occupation
Algeria-France, Politics, 7/9/2005

The Algerian People and Ummah councils (parliaments) on Thursday condemned the French law on "the positive role of the French presence overseas" especially in North Africa. The law was ratified by the French parliament on February 23rd.

Algeria, which celebrated this week the 51st anniversary of its revolution against the French occupation, criticized this law and warned that it might be damaging to the French interests in its former colonies including Algeria.

The Algerian president Abdul Aziz Butaflika said in a speech he had delivered several days ago before hundreds of old veterans "we reject allegation of colonialism.. Is it reasonable that whole people and their identities are slaughtered, and then say that this act was positive? This means we have reached rudeness." The Algerian war of independence was one of the fiercest wars that took place in the beginning of the 20th century during which genocide crimes were committed.

The number of persons killed in this was is estimated at 1.5 million Algerians. Two other millions were displaced before France recognized Algeria's independence eight years later.

Previous Stories:
  Chirac discusses with Butaflika Arab summit agenda   (3/21/2005)
  Chirac discusses with members of his government co-operation with Algeria   (7/24/2004)
  France lifts military embargo from Algeria   (7/19/2004)

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