Algerian Umma council: Bu Taflika's visit to France begins new era

Member of the Algerian Umma Council Mohie al-Din Amimor stated that "the visit of the Algerian President Abd al-Aziz Bu Taflika to France acquires a special importance for it is considered a start for a new phase in Algerian - French relations."

He said the visit comes in the shadow of President Bu Taflika's first term and the whole world has become aware that Algeria has regained its security and economic strength as well as its international and regional status.

He said that he felt during his visit to France to prepare for Bu Taflika's current visit "a great understanding by the French people because we must treat the mistakes of the past to open a new page in the relations for there is a respect for Algeria's position and Algeria has its own thoughts for it is a part of the Arab and Islamic world as well as being a part of the African continent -- which are things that must be considered at opening that file of the Algerian - French relations."