Hollande says “sorry” to Algeria

French President François Hollande said he is sorry for his “interpreted” recent remarks about Algeria and he will “directly” inform Algerian President Abelaziz Bouteflika about that.

According to a release issued by the French President’s Office on Sunday, Hollande’s remarks on the 70^th anniversary of the CRIF Jewish representative group were “the subject of unfounded controversy.”

“Everyone knows the friendly feelings Francois Hollande holds for Algeria and the great respect he has for its people,” said the release.

Algeria News Agency (APS) reported that Algerian foreign minister Ramtane Laamamra checked the release with “satisfaction” especially friendship feelings expressed by the French president.

Spokesman for the ministry Amar Blani said President Bouteflika and his French counterpart will exchange opinions about exceptional partnership perspectives between Algeria and France on a phone call, said APS.

Laamamra Sunday received a phone call from French foreign minister to talk about bilateral relations.

Earlier on December 16^th in his speech to the CRIF Jewish representative group, Hollande joked that Interior Minister Manuel Valls had just returned “safe and sound” from a trip to Algeria. “That’s already a lot,” he added.

Algeria expressed dissatisfaction about those remarks, saying they “underestimate” relations between the two countries and reality about security situation in Algeria.

Laamamra also said the remarks could cause negative consequences and he hoped that the two parts would find a solution before the end of 2013.