Magramane reçoit le Chargé d’Affaires de l’Ambassade de France en Algérie
ALGER – Summary of Diplomatic Exchange between Algeria and France
On Monday, Lounès Magramane, the Secretary-General of the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosted the Chargé d’Affaires of the French Embassy in Algeria. This meeting followed a previous encounter on March 14 with the Chargé d’Affaires of the Algerian Embassy in France, during which a list of Algerian nationals facing expulsion from French territory was presented.
In response, the Algerian Secretary-General conveyed an official note to the French Chargé d’Affaires, reiterating Algeria’s firm rejection of any threats or intimidation tactics from France, along with its denouncement of ultimatums or coercive language. Algeria expressed discontent with what it views as France’s selective interpretation of their bilateral agreements and international accords, stressing that its primary concern is the consular protection of its citizens.
Algeria firmly opposed the French initiative, critiquing both its form and substance. Regarding the form, Algeria asserted that France cannot unilaterally alter the customary channels for handling expulsion cases. The Algerian authorities urged respect for established procedures, specifically the established communication pathways between French Prefectures and the relevant Algerian Consulates, emphasizing a case-by-case review process.
On a substantive level, the Algerian response highlighted the interdependence of the 1994 Agreement and the 1974 Consular Relations Convention, which serves as the principal regulatory framework between the two nations. Algeria maintained that the application of one should not compromise the principles of the other, especially concerning the rights of individuals subject to expulsion measures.
Consequently, Algeria has decided against acting on the list of individuals proposed by France. The authorities have called upon their French counterparts to adhere to established diplomatic protocols, which involve coordination between Prefectures and Consulates.
This diplomatic engagement illustrates ongoing tensions between Algeria and France over issues related to expulsion policies and consular rights. Algeria’s staunch defense of its consular duties and refusal to yield to perceived pressure from France signifies a commitment to the protection of its nationals abroad, whilst demanding respect for established procedures and agreements that govern their bilateral relations.
