The Chargé d’Affaires of the French Embassy in Algiers was summoned on Saturday to the headquarters of the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following the broadcast by the public channel France 2 of what was erroneously presented as a documentary, but which is in reality nothing more than “a web of deeply offensive and unnecessarily provocative falsehoods,” according to a statement from the Ministry.
The French diplomat was summoned following the broadcast by the public television channel France 2 of what was misleadingly presented as a documentary, but which “is in fact nothing more than a web of deeply offensive and unnecessarily provocative falsehoods,” according to the same source.
The French diplomat was informed of the extreme seriousness of the following: Firstly, the responsibility of a French public service channel in this blatant attack on the Algerian State, its institutions, and its symbols. This public channel would have never allowed itself such an attack without the complicity, or at least the consent, of its public supervisory authority.
Secondly, contrary to all diplomatic practices and customs, the contribution of the French Embassy in Algiers and that of the Ambassador personally to the promotion of this outrageous campaign reinforces the conviction that it has been endorsed by the French official services.
Thirdly, the actions of the French channel in question represent a new stage in the escalation of anti-Algerian activities pursued by French official circles, aimed at maintaining Algeria-France ties in a state of permanent crisis.
Fourthly, the Algerian Government strongly condemns the program in question and the unspeakable nature of the accusations and insults it conveys toward the Algerian State and its institutions. Similarly, the Algerian Government expresses its strong disapproval of the involvement of the French Ambassador in Algiers in acts clearly contrary to the exercise of his mission as codified by law and enshrined in international customs.
Finally, the French diplomat was notified that the Algerian Government reserves the right to take all necessary measures in response to the gravity of such actions.
