Chevenement Rejects Repentance Of France To Crimes In Algeria

President of Algeria-France Association, Jean-Pierre Chevenment has urged Algerians and French to copy the South African model in terms of dealing with problems related to the colonial past, which are still hindering the full normalization of bilateral relations, after half a century from independence.

Responding to Echorouk reporter on the possibility of establishing friendship between Algeria and France, amid the persistence of France in rejecting apologizing for the colonial crimes: “Problems related to the past should be solved by referring to the conscience,” adding that the South Africa’s experience in terms of reaching reconciliation between black and whites after tens of years of Apartheid, could serve as a model for the Algeria-France case.”

 Mr Chevenement is conducting a five-day visit to Algeria. He stated that overcoming issues related to the past, should be left to historians.

Reporters have insisted on Former French Defense Minister to give his opinion about Algeria’s demand from France to apologize for the crimes perpetuated in the colonial era (1830-1962). He simply said: “France has to be aware of her colonial past in Algeria.” Mr Chevenement further added that “France does not have to repent her colonial past, given that the term of “repentance” has a religious connotation.”

Mr Chevenement is due to meet Prime Minister, Ahmed Ouyahia, on Wednesday. Other political figures are also to meet with him, including former PMs, Mouloud Hamrouche and Reda Malek, senior officials of FFS party, Head of the National Economy and Social Council.