Algeria, France to reopen two consulates in Algeria

France announced today that in light of improving French - Algerian relations it will reopen two consulates in Algeria that were closed five years ago.

The two consulates were closed in 1994 for security reasons.

During his visit to Algeria, French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine announced the reopening of these two consulates. Vedrine met during his visit with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who was elected last year in circumstances described by France as "worrying."

Bouteflika informed the French minister of his people's complaint that they find difficulty in obtaining a visa to France, where the demands were presented to a center in western France.