Jean-Yves Le Drian: “Algeria Is Going Through A Historic Time, We Hope It Will Emerge From Crisis”

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian made comments about the popular protests in Algeria, and expressed hope that “the spirit of responsibility will continue and that the Algerian people will emerge from this crisis, adding that the presidential elections should be conducted in good conditions with transparency.”

In response to a question by one of the MPs during a session in the French parliament, Wednesday, the minister confirmed that “this is an essential moment in the history of Algeria”.

“Algeria must find the necessary momentum to meet the challenges it faces and the incentive to meet the deep aspirations of its people. In this spirit, we evaluate the situation today.”

“There are strong and multiple relationships that unite Algeria and France, and the Algerian community in France is important. Therefore, everything that happens in Algeria has implications in France. There has been no special migration movement since the beginning of the demonstrations, and they are going on in a stable way”.

“I see the importance of the demonstrations and popular protests that have taken place since President Bouteflika’s decision to run for the presidential elections. I also note that the demonstrations have remained peaceful and that the security forces have responded in kind.”