Algeria’s former head of government to Echorouk: De Gaulle pushed France’s officers to join the Revolution

Algeria’s former head of government Abdesselam Belaid believes that Algerian officers who worked for the French army had joined the liberation Revolution since 1958 as part of a planned choice. “General De Gaulle had planned to integrate those officers in the Revolution since he reached power in the era of the Fifth Republic. He was convinced that the “French Algeria” legend was over. This pushed De Gaulle to release the Algerian officers to ease communication and talks,” he told Echorouk in an interview.

Belaid added that some “France’s officers did not join the Revolution until 1916. That means after official talks with the temporary government about ceasefire and self-determination had started.

He published a part of his memories where he talked about the government’s presidential term 1992-1993. This sparked a debate with General Mohamed Touati, former defence minister Khaled Nezzar’s political advisor.

Khaled Nezzar is a wise man and had never interfered in my prerogatives

Belaid who was also Algeria’s former industry minister avoided to say negative points about General Khaled Nezzar. He said he had “nice” relations with him and described him as a “wise man.”

Asked about Nezzar’s decision making power, Belaid said the man had never interfered in his prerogatives. “He might transmit his ideas via Mohamed Touati who published political articles using nicknames.”

French foiled Renault plant in Algeria in 1974

Speaking about national industrial ambitions during President Boumediene’s era, Belaid said Algeria launched advanced talks with French in the 1970’s. They were about to come up with an agreement to build a Renault plant in Algeria. Yet, France refused to reduce interests rate for funding loans and to extend payment deadlines.

“The project situation became complicated due to political tension with France as it supported Morocco in its conflict with Sahrawi people in mid-1970’s,” he told Echorouk.