French Foreign Minister: “Paris Ambassador’s Return Contingent on Calm Dialogue with Algeria”

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot criticized proponents of the “arm-twisting” approach who continue to push for hard-line policies towards Algeria, despite the proven failure of this method to achieve any diplomatic breakthrough. He affirmed that the return of Ambassador Stéphane Romatet can only happen through a calm dialogue that rebuilds trust between the two countries.

During his appearance on Sunday on the “Political Questions” program on France Inter radio, the journalist directly asked the minister: “Our ambassador Stéphane Romatet was recalled 7 months ago, will he return to Algeria? And when?”

Barrot replied that “the ambassador’s resumption of his duties in Algeria is primarily linked to appropriate political conditions and the rebuilding of trust between the two sides,” emphasizing that “any step in this direction must take place within the framework of a serious dialogue that respects Algeria’s sovereignty and interests.”

He added: “When the time comes, it will be necessary for our ambassador to be able to resume his work in Algeria to serve the interests of our two countries, especially in matters related to migration, security, and justice, but that first requires opening channels of communication at the appropriate level.”

When the journalist tried to push him to specify clear deadlines—a week, a month, a year—the minister merely said: “We will see, dialogue is already underway and I believe there are indications of a beginning to emerge from the state of tension and frozen relations,” adding: “Our two countries, by virtue of geography, have an interest in cooperation, especially in migration, security, and justice issues.”

He went on to say that the ambassador’s return is not an end in itself, but rather should be viewed within a broader vision of building a relationship based on mutual respect, saying: “The real question is: what is our interest? And how do we establish a balanced relationship with our partners?”

Barrot’s statements—despite his reservations—show that Paris practically recognizes that the resumption of full diplomatic relations requires addressing the causes of tension and respecting Algeria’s sovereign positions.

On another note, Barrot announced that the French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal may return to France “in the coming days,” considering his release a “resounding criticism of the proponents of the hard-line approach in dialogue with Algeria.”

Barrot said, “Sansal is now at the French Embassy in Berlin, and based on the results of his medical examinations, we hope to see him return to France in the coming days,” adding regarding the proponents of the arm-twisting method: “I am talking about all those I hear, including today, after the release of Boualem Sansal, who continue to belittle the role of France and its diplomacy in this release.”

The minister spoke about the necessity of “respecting Algeria’s sovereignty” regarding the case of French journalist Christophe Glez, who was sentenced to seven years in prison for “glorifying terrorism,” expressing his hope for dialogue with Algeria.

This proves that Paris has been forced to close the door to escalation and seek solutions through quiet channels, after experience has shown that public pressure leads to counterproductive results.