Algeria-France: Mujahideen minister “optimistic” about addressing memory issues

APS: Thursday, 28 January 2016 10:03
PARIS (France) – Mujahideen Minister Tayeb Zitouni on Wednesday in Paris expressed “optimism” about solving issues related to common history between Algeria and France, declaring that a “very important” stage was already made in this field.

“If I wasn’t optimistic, I wouldn’t pay a working visit to France,” the minister answered a question of APS, following the tribute ceremony in Saint-Michel (Paris) in front of the commemorative stele of the massacres of Algerians on 17 October 1961.

“Today, we live historical day in the Algerian-French relations, through this tribute,” he told the press, stressing that this is “a strong message” for the present and future generations.

The minister, who was accompanied by French Secretary of State for Veterans and Memory, Jean-Marc Todeschini, added that “history will history with its sorrows and hopes and also remain with its weight,” stressing that between Algeria and France, “there is a long history that we share together. “

“The questions relating with our common history generated divergences between Algeria and France, but today our relations have progressed in various fields,” he added, underlining this constitutes “the man section” in the relations between the two counties looking for mutual trust.

He said that he held a “clear” message to France and to the French people “by assuring of Algeria’s willingness to establish a climate of confidence to build a promising future for both countries’ relations.”

“Our common history must be a source of strength to build the future for rising generations of both countries. We are in a very important step. We have files that we will examine together in the commissions,” he said adding that the climate is “favourable” for that.