France wants 'gesture of humanity' from Algeria after ministerial visit cools tensions
Europe
The fate of an elderly French-Algerian writer is closely tied to the state of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which have now resumed
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Middle East Eye
13 hours ago
- Middle East Eye
Netanyahu says Macron fuelling 'antisemitic fire'
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that French President Emmanuel Macron is fuelling "antisemitic fire", news agency AFP has reported. In a letter, Netanyahu blamed the French leader's move to recognise a Palestinian state. "Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on this antisemitic fire. It is not diplomacy, it is appeasement. It rewards Hamas terror, hardens Hamas's refusal to free the hostages, emboldens those who menace French Jews, and encourages the Jew-hatred now stalking your streets," Netanyahu wrote in the letter. On 24 July, Macron confirmed in a letter addressed to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that France will recognise the state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September. The United States called it a "reckless decision" that "sets back peace". British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on 29 July that the United Kingdom would recognise a Palestinian state by September unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip by then. On 30 July, Canada announced its intention to proceed with recognising the state of Palestine at the next UN General Assembly, followed by Portugal on 31 July. While 148 countries currently recognise the Palestinian state, a majority of western countries do not. France, which is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, was the first G7 state to take the step.
Arabian Post
a day ago
- Arabian Post
France Presses Bamako to Free Embassy Staffer
French authorities have initiated dialogue with Mali to secure the immediate release of a French national working at the embassy in Bamako, whose detention Bamako's military regime justifies with allegations of involvement in a destabilisation plot. The French foreign ministry has dismissed these allegations as baseless, emphasising that the detained individual is entitled to protections under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. French officials argue that the embassy staffer's detention breaches longstanding diplomatic norms and demands swift clarification of the matter. Paris says discussions aim to address possible misunderstandings and to facilitate the immediate release of their national, whom they describe as fully accredited and immune under international law. Acknowledging the accusations, Mali's security minister, General Daoud Aly Mohammedine, stated that the embassy employee—named by Bamako as Yann Vezilier—was apprehended alongside two high-ranking generals and other military personnel. The government alleges they were part of a scheme orchestrated by foreign intelligence to disrupt state institutions. ADVERTISEMENT Observers cite the broader context of Mali's shifting alliances and internal tension. Since seizing power in successive coups in 2020 and 2021, the junta has expelled French forces and aligned with Russia for security support. This arrest follows the dissolution of political parties and a crackdown on dissent, intensifying concerns that authorities may be suppressing emerging challenges to their rule. Analysts view the charges as part of a broader pattern of intimidation. Rida Lyammouri of the Policy Center for the New South suggests that this episode resembles prior moves by the regime to neutralise criticism from military figures, journalists and civil society. Rather than signalling a legitimate coup threat, these detentions may aim to reinforce control. France's swift response underscores the seriousness with which it regards violations of diplomatic protections. Its insistence on the application of the Vienna Convention reflects both legal recourse and a diplomatic strategy to protect citizens abroad—even as relationships with Mali fray.
Sharjah 24
a day ago
- Sharjah 24
UAE expresses solidarity with Algeria over victims of bus crash
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) conveyed the UAE's sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria and the brotherly Algerian people, along with its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured.
