ALGIERS
French President Francois Hollande expressed regret on Sunday after saying Algeria has poor security.
Hollande was attending the 70th anniversary celebration of Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions (CRIF) organization on December 16, when he made a remark to the audience about his interior minister having returned safely to France from a trip to Algeria.
"He's back safe and sound, and that says a lot," Hollande said at the celebration.
“He expresses sincere regret for the interpretation that was made of the comments, and will say as much directly to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika," Hollande’s office said in a statement.
“The President of Algeria and its people are aware of our friendly feeling towards them. This friendly relation was shown during the President’s visit to Algeria and speeches there in 2012,” said the statement.
Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra said the remark did not reflect the security situation in his country and expressed his country’s satisfaction with the French explanation.
Relations between France and Algeria still remain tense 51 years after the ex-French colony won its independence. Millions of immigrants from Algeria live in France. Now French security forces cooperate with the Algerian military to help fight against Al Qaeda’s north African wing.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
