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 βlong live Algeriaβ as they applauded the progress of the bill, which states that France holds βlegal responsibility for its colonial past in Algeria and the tragedies it causedβ.
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 βhostileβ and counterproductive to βthe desire to resume Franco-Algerian dialogue and to calm discussions on historical issuesβ.
The vote comes as the two countries are emb
Continue Reading on The National UAE
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.