Algeria's parliament has unanimously approved a law declaring France's 132-year colonial occupation a crime, demanding an apology and reparations.

Lawmakers wearing scarves in the colours of the national flag rose to their feet and chanted β€œlong live Algeria” as they applauded the progress of the bill, which states that France holds β€œlegal responsibility for its colonial past in Algeria and the tragedies it caused”.

France's rule over the North African country, which lasted from 1830 until 1962, still blights relations between the two countries.

The French Foreign Ministry said the move was β€œhostile” and counterproductive to β€œthe desire to resume Franco-Algerian dialogue and to calm discussions on historical issues”.

The vote comes as the two countries are emb

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