Algeria’s war veterans: pieds-noirs are unwelcomed in Algeria

The National Organization of War Veterans’ Sons warned pieds-noirs who want to visit Algeria on November 1st that they would be kicked out.

The Organization’s representative Mebarek Khalfa Wednesday said Algeria can not keep silent about the pieds-noirs’ covetousness. “They want to recover what they call their belongings in Algeria. It is time to let them know that they are unwelcomed in Algeria under any cover even visiting Christian cemeteries.”

This comes in response to remarks made by the chairman of the association for the protection of French cemeteries. He said he submitted a detailed report to the Algerian foreign ministry to allow pieds-noirs to obtain an Algerian passport.

“We reject their visit. We will take to the street if they ask for an Algerian passport,” Khalfa told Echorouk.

He added that their demands have become invalid since Algeria got its independence. “They have to know that the dream to get an Algerian passport will not come true.”

Former chairman of the Organization of Martyrs’ Sons Moussa Touati said pieds-noirs held “secret talks” to recover their properties in Algeria.

“Their alleged visit to Christian and Jewish cemeteries is no more than a pretext to enter Algeria. Higher authorities should have listened to the warnings of politicians in this regard,” he added.

Press attaché at Algeria’s National Liberation Front (FLN) Hocine Khaldoune said Algerians will not allow French to return to Algeria under any cover.

“Yet, the FLN can not be against their visit to cemeteries. Political parties can not talk about pieds-noirs’ request for an Algerian passport. It’s up to official authorities to decide,” he added.