Algeria slams France over "blatant" diplomatic violation, vows firm response

Algeria has pledged a strong and measured reaction to any infringement on its sovereignty, as tensions mount with France over the arrest of an Algerian consular employee and the subsequent expulsion of French diplomatic staff.

In a statement carried by Turkish media, Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded sharply to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot’s remarks, in which he criticized Algiers’ decision to expel 12 French consulate staff within 48 hours, calling it “unjustified”, Caliber.Az reports.

The Algerian Foreign Ministry defended the move, stating it was a direct response to the “deliberate and provocative arrest” of a consular official in France — an act it described as “a blatant violation of diplomatic norms and practices.”

“The decision was taken after the demonstrative arrest of a consulate employee of Algeria in France, which is a clear breach of diplomatic conventions,” the ministry said.

The Algerian government also issued a scathing critique of France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retaillot. In the same statement, the ministry accused Retaillot of “engaging in dirty dealings solely for personal gain,” adding that he “lacks even the slightest political understanding” and is “responsible for the course on which Algerian-French relations are now set.”

Algiers emphasized that the detained consular employee had diplomatic immunity. “Despite this status, French authorities treated him like a common thief and in a degrading manner,” the ministry asserted.

Officials noted the timing of the incident was especially troubling, as relations between Algiers and Paris had begun to improve following a recent telephone conversation between the two heads of state and a visit to Algeria by the French foreign minister.

The ministry further warned: “Any further actions by the French interior minister that violate Algeria’s sovereignty will receive a firm and appropriate response, based on the principle of reciprocity.”

The row was triggered by the April 11 arrest of three Algerians in France, including a consular employee, in connection with the alleged kidnapping of opposition activist Amir Boukhors, better known as “Amir DZ.” French authorities have accused the detainees of serious crimes on French territory.

In protest, Algeria summoned French Ambassador Stéphane Romatet on April 13 and handed him a formal diplomatic note denouncing the arrest of its consular employee. On April 14, Algiers ordered 12 French consulate staff to leave the country within 48 hours.

By Tamilla Hasanova