Algerian FM Accused of ‘Violating Constitution’

Abderrazak Makri, the leader of Algeria Islamist political party, the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP) is pictured in Algiers, Algeria May 18, 2018, REUTERS/Ramzi Boudina
Abderrazak Makri, the leader of Algeria Islamist political party, the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP) is pictured in Algiers, Algeria May 18, 2018, REUTERS/Ramzi Boudina
TT

Algerian FM Accused of ‘Violating Constitution’

Abderrazak Makri, the leader of Algeria Islamist political party, the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP) is pictured in Algiers, Algeria May 18, 2018, REUTERS/Ramzi Boudina
Abderrazak Makri, the leader of Algeria Islamist political party, the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP) is pictured in Algiers, Algeria May 18, 2018, REUTERS/Ramzi Boudina

The Movement for the Society of Peace (MSP), Algeria's biggest Islamist political party, accused Foreign Minister Abdulqader al-Msahel of ‘violating the constitution’ after using the French language in his speech in the UN, during its 73rd session in New York.

Head of the Movement of Society for Peace Abderrazak Makri said Wednesday, following a meeting of the party cadres, that the foreign minister using of a foreign language while delivering a speech in front of the General Assembly constituted an abuse of the national sovereignty and a violation of the constitution.

He added that not taking procedures against this incident is proof that the decision-makers are insincere in their repetitive speech about patriotism.

The Algerian constitution stipulates two formal languages: Arabic and Berber language. However, the majority of government officials speak in French in their official meetings and while communicating with the media.

Furthermore, MSP criticized the ambiguity regarding presidential elections and said that was a proof that the ruling system lacked vision.

Earlier, Makri stated that his party wouldn't take part in the political arena in case Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika ran for the presidency.

A statement was issued by the foreign ministry Wednesday to note that the minister called for a political solution that is fair and acceptable by Morocco and Polisario Front – his statement was made during a meeting between Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General President Horst Koehler and al-Msahel.



France Declines to Comment on Algeria’s Anger over Recognition of Morocco’s Claim over Sahara

French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. (AFP file)
French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. (AFP file)
TT

France Declines to Comment on Algeria’s Anger over Recognition of Morocco’s Claim over Sahara

French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. (AFP file)
French President Emmanuel Macron and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. (AFP file)

Paris declined to comment on Algeria’s “strong condemnation” of the French government’s decision to recognize Morocco’s claim over the Sahara.

The office of the French Foreign Ministry refused to respond to an AFP request for a comment on the Algeria’s stance.

It did say that further comments could impact the trip Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is set to make to France in late September or early October.

The visit has been postponed on numerous occasions over disagreements between the two countries.

France had explicitly expressed its constant and clear support for the autonomy rule proposal over the Sahara during Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne’s visit to Morocco in February, reported AFP.

The position has helped improve ties between Rabat and Paris.

On Thursday, the Algerian Foreign Ministry expressed “great regret and strong denunciation" about the French government's decision to recognize an autonomy plan for the Western Sahara region "within Moroccan sovereignty”.

Algeria was informed of the decision by France in recent days, an Algerian foreign ministry statement added.

The ministry also said Algeria would draw all the consequences from the decision and hold the French government alone completely responsible.