Algeria has strongly condemned France’s decision to restrict travel for several high-ranking Algerian officials, calling it a “serious violation” of diplomatic norms and threatening to escalate the dispute to the United Nations, as reported by BFM TV.
The move by French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau came after Algeria refused to accept the return of 120 of its nationals subject to deportation from France under OQTF (orders to leave French territory). In response, Algeria announced it would enforce strict reciprocity and accused France of breaching the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
In a statement released Thursday, Algeria’s Foreign Ministry said the decision was made unilaterally and without official diplomatic notification, claiming it was taken by France’s Interior Ministry without the knowledge of its own Foreign Ministry.
Algiers has warned it may pursue all legal avenues, including formally lodging a complaint with the United Nations, if the matter is not resolved through proper diplomatic channels.
The French government publicly disclosed the travel sanctions on July 23, but did not specify when they would take effect.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will formally recognise the State of Palestine this September during the United Nations General Assembly.
