Algeria - Saba:
The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday summoned French ambassador to Algeria Stephane Romatet to convey a strongly worded message of dissatisfaction regarding what it described as "repeated hostile practices."
The Algerian newspaper "al-Khabar" reported Sunday that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the French ambassador of "Algeria's strong condemnation of the hostile actions that the Algerian authorities can no longer ignore or remain silent about."
It explained that the meeting witnessed the issuance of strict warnings that the ambassador was asked to convey to his government, referring to "the escalation of hostile actions issued by the French General Directorate of External Security, which aims to destabilize Algeria and harm its interests."
The newspaper added Algeria warned Paris of the consequences of continuing these policies, saying: "In light of the seriousness of the facts proven by evidence, Algeria, which is tired of French double standards, will not stand idly by, and France must expect strong reactions."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed to the French ambassador evidence of a series of hostile acts, including an attempt to smuggle large quantities of weapons and ammunition through the port of Bejaia, coming from the French port of Marseille, for the benefit of the separatist movement "MAK" led by Ferhat Mehenni, who is wanted by the Algerian judiciary and resides under official French protection.
It also pointed out serious details about a plot hatched by French intelligence to recruit young Algerians into terrorist groups with the aim of carrying out sabotage operations and igniting strife within the country, similar to what happened during the 1990s.
During the meeting, the Algerian side informed the French ambassador of what it described as "hostile actions" including organizing meetings inside French diplomatic headquarters in Algeria with elements hostile to the Algerian state, in addition to the protection provided by Paris to members of the "Rachad" and "MAK" movements, who carry out sabotage activities without any intervention from the French authorities.
These developments come amid escalating tensions between Algeria and Paris in recent months, especially after France recognized the Moroccan autonomy plan as the only solution to the Western Sahara issue.
Algeria had recalled its ambassador to Paris last July, in protest against the French position on the Sahara conflict.
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