Chevènement: “My visit to Algiers allowed dispelling some misunderstandings”

The Head of the France-Algeria Association, Jean-Pierre Chevènement affirmed in Algiers, that his discussions with Algerian officials allowed “dispelling some misunderstandings that might have resulted from blunders.”

“My visit to Algeria was an opportunity to hold lengthy discussions with the Prime Minister Abdemalek Sellal. We have cleared up some misunderstandings that might have stemmed from mistakes in the execution,” Mr Chevènement told the press at the end of an encounter Thursday with Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ramtane Lamamra.

“You know very well the System we are living in, you are journalists and you know very well that a comment will prompt another one. Politicians are often fond of small sentences, and you (journalists) often spice things up,” added the visiting head of the France-Algeria Association.

Concerning “positive evolutions” in many areas, he cited the example of the steady hike in the number of visas granted by France to Algerians, “400,000 visas were granted in 2015, against 200,000 in 2012,” he said.

The evolution in bilateral relations is reflected in “the French investments in Algeria or Algerian investments in France,” he added.

Mr Chevènement further indicated that “Algeria has to adapt to a new situation.”

“President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has clearly declared: “the diversification of the Algerian economy has now become a pre-requisite,” he explained, adding “everyone can contribute to this major endeavor.”

“The French-Algerian relations can be good or bad but they are never insignificant,” he said referring to President Bouteflika’s remarks, hoping that these relations would “continuously improve.”

For Mr Chevènement, “this friendship between the two countries is essential more than ever, because France needs Algeria and Algeria needs France. Together we can do much better than separately,” he argued.

The former French Foreign minister also asserted that he’d discussed with Mr Lamamra manifold issues pertaining to Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

Referring to the disquieting situation prevailing in neighboring Libya, he highlighted the importance of “Algeria’s wise approach,” hoping that “together we would contribute to the re-establishment of peace and stability in Libya.”