6 days ago
France to Tighten Travel Conditions for Algerian Dignitaries
Rabat — French Interior Minister Bruno Retaileau is tightening travel conditions to France for a group of Algerian dignitaries, government spokesperson Sophie Primas said today.
AFP quoted the French official saying that the decision comes after Algeria refused to take back 120 nationals who are under an obligation to leave French territory, or QQTF.
'The data we have shows that 20 individuals under QQTF, who have valid documents for returning to Algeria, have not been taken back by the Algerian authorities,' she said after a meeting of the council of ministers.
Between March and July 22, dozens of Algerians were sent back to France, according to Le Figaro.
'You may have noticed that the Interior Minister has become increasingly inclined to take stricter measures, particularly regarding Algerian diplomacy,' Primas said, stressing that travel conditions to France will be more difficult for several Algerian dignitaries.
She recalled that France is witnessing a power struggle with Algeria, which includes the unanswered demand urging the Algerian regime to release French-Algerian author Boualem Sansal and journalist Christophe Gleizes.
Beyond the complex Algeria-France ties, the two countries endured dramatic tensions due to several factors, including Paris' newfound position in support of Morocco's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara.
In July of last year, France officially recognized Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces in the Western Sahara with a letter from President Emmanuel Macron to King Mohammed VI.
France's decision was followed by Macron's State visit in October, during which he reiterated the decision in the Moroccan parliament, emphasizing that France's stance was not meant to antagonize any country.
Macron's remarks were a direct response to Algeria's ongoing efforts to undermine Morocco's territorial integrity as well as France's support, as the Algerian regime has long backed the Polisario Front and its destabilizing actions against Morocco.
The tensions were exacerbated by Algeria's reluctance to receive back nationals subject to deportation orders.
Another point of contention is the imprisonment of Sansal, who received a sentence of five years in prison on charges of undermining state security.
'Can a great nation honor itself by keeping someone who is sick and elderly in detention for wrong reasons?' Retailleau said earlier this year.
