Algeria’s Ambassador to Paris: your colonization system is criminal and unjust

Algeria’s Ambassador to Paris Ammar Bendjamaa made remarks which can be part of escalation of relations between the two countries. This comes following an article published on French newspaper Le Monde about Panama Papers.

In the French Senate, the Ambassador quoted late Algerian President Houari Boumediene, saying “we turned the page but we did not tear it.”

Asked about common memory between Algeria and French, he said it is present and can not be erased. “The French colonization system was criminal and unjust. Experts work on documentation about different oppression means used by the colonizer in the 19th century.”

“In my capacity of Algeria’s Ambassador to Paris, I have a special mission as I represent a free and proud country. Partnership between us reached exceptional levels thanks to our both Presidents’ will. Yet, it is also easy to look back to see how the two last centuries were spent amid conflicts. Algerian-French relations can be good and can be bad but they will never be ridiculous and absurd,” he added.

There is one Islam

The Ambassador also said there is one Islam only. “Due to the present financial situation, Algeria can almost find money to cover expenses for imams in France. If the oil crisis continues, it will be difficult for us to play our role.”

This comes following questions asked by French senators. They asked if Franco-Algerian or Algerian born nationals would accept Islam which has no links with their original country.

“I think I did not understand the question but I wonder whether any one can interfere in the relation between faithful people and their God,” he answered.

“You talk about Islam in France or France’s Islam. Yet, I say there is only one Islam. It is a religion of tolerance and coexistence,” he added.

The senators were sceptical about the intellectual and linguistic level of Algerian imams in France.

The Ambassador told the Senate that the imams are selected following a national competition exam and they should have a degree. “They take intensive courses in French language before they come to France.”

Bendjamaa said the Paris Mosque is Algerian as Algeria allocates an annual budget for it estimated at about 2 million euros.

Imams costs the government 300,000 euros per month and benefit from social security. 

The Ambassador also said mosques have nothing to do with jihadists.