Arab League Welcomes Saudi-Iran Agreement

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit - File/AFP
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit - File/AFP
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Arab League Welcomes Saudi-Iran Agreement

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit - File/AFP
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit - File/AFP

The Arab League welcomed on Saturday the announcement that Saudi Arabia and Iran had agreed to restore diplomatic relations.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said the agreement would end the state of tension between the two countries that lasted for more than seven years.

He also said the agreement could mark a new positive phase in bilateral relations, which may lead to achieving a level of stability in the region.

The Sec-Gen further hailed "the efforts exerted by China, Iraq and the Sultanate of Oman in this regard."

A tripartite statement issued by Saudi Arabia, Iran, and China said Riyadh and Tehran agreed to reopen their embassies and restore representation within a period of two months. They also agreed to activate the security cooperation agreement between them.



Algeria Blames French Interior Minister for Renewed Crisis with France

Algerian and French Presidents at the G7 Summit in Italy, before the crisis erupted (Algerian Presidency)
Algerian and French Presidents at the G7 Summit in Italy, before the crisis erupted (Algerian Presidency)
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Algeria Blames French Interior Minister for Renewed Crisis with France

Algerian and French Presidents at the G7 Summit in Italy, before the crisis erupted (Algerian Presidency)
Algerian and French Presidents at the G7 Summit in Italy, before the crisis erupted (Algerian Presidency)

Tensions between Algeria and France have escalated in recent days, marked by the expulsion of 12 diplomats from each country.

Observers warn that the situation, already at a boiling point, could lead to a complete rupture in relations unless one side takes steps to de-escalate.

Relations between Algeria and France especially soured following the arrest of an Algerian diplomat in Paris, alongside two others, on charges of kidnapping and detaining Algerian opposition figure Amir Boukhriss.

The French judiciary has linked the case to terrorism.

In response, Algeria strongly condemned the diplomat's detention and expelled 12 French embassy staff last Monday, all connected to French security services.

The following day, Paris retaliated by expelling an equal number of Algerian diplomats, asserting that its judiciary acted independently in its investigation into the April 2024 kidnapping incident.

In a statement on Tuesday, Algeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs held French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau personally responsible for the diplomat's imprisonment.

Since tensions began rising late last year, Algeria has emphasized that its issue is with French policies, not President Emmanuel Macron personally.

The dispute has intensified over Macron's push to deport hundreds of “undesirable” Algerians and his insistence on scrapping the 1968 migration agreement between the two countries, claiming it hinders France's efforts to curb illegal immigration.

Retailleau, a prominent figure on the French right and a key contender for leadership of the “Les Républicains” party, has become a leading advocate for a hardline stance on Algeria.

His recent focus on immigration issues reflects his strategy to secure votes ahead of the upcoming election.