Algerian President Will Not Attend Libya Conference in France

Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra stated on Wednesday that President Abdelmadjid Tebboune will not attend a conference on Libya in France on Friday but will delegate a representative. Relations between France and Algeria have soured, with Algeria recalling its ambassador in Paris earlier last month and closing its airspace to French military aircraft following what it described as "irresponsible" comments attributed to French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron had questioned whether there was an Algerian state before French colonial rule and stated that the "military political system" of Algeria had rewritten colonial history based on "hatred for France." France said on Tuesday that Macron expressed regret over the controversy and misunderstanding caused by his comments, emphasizing that he "respects the Algerian nation and its history and sovereignty" and wishes for Tebboune to attend the Libya conference. Lamamra, following a meeting with Algerian ambassadors, said, "It was decided that Algeria will participate in the conference, but not at the level of the president." He added that "the conditions are not sufficient for him to personally participate in this seminar despite his commitment to Algeria's active role alongside Libyan brothers, and to push the Libyan issue towards the desired peaceful and democratic solution."