France rules out official apology for colonial abuses in Algeria

PanARMENIAN.Net - French President Emmanuel Macron has ruled out issuing an official apology for abuses in Algeria, his office said Wednesday, January 20, ahead of a major report on how France is facing up to its colonial past in the country, AFP reports (France via 24).

There will be "no repentance nor apologies" for the occupation of Algeria or the eight-year war that ended French rule, Macron's office said, adding that the French leader would instead take part in "symbolic acts" aimed at promoting reconciliation.

The atrocities committed by both sides during the 1954-1962 Algerian war of independence continue to strain relations between the two countries six decades later.

Macron, the first president born after the colonial period, has gone further than any of his predecessors in recognizing French crimes in Algeria.

The presidency said Macron would take part in three days of commemorations next year marking the 60th anniversary of the end of the Algerian war.

Each day will be dedicated to a different group that suffered in the conflict, presidential aides added.