Hürriyet, Turkey
Dec 6 2007
Sarkozy’s visit to Algeria underscores different stance on genocide
allegations
French President Nicholas Sarkozy has completed his second official
visit to Algeria without any sign of apologies for the genocide that
some circles claim France carried out in Algeria during its 130 years
in power there.
Sarkozy, who was greeted warmly by Algerian citizens during his
visit, has commented earlier on allegations of wrong-doing by France
in Algeria "Let’s leave history to the historians." This stance
stands in stark contrast to the recent vote in French Parliament to
pass legistlation officially acknowledging Armenian claims against
Turkey of genocide.
Addressing students at Algeria’s Mentouri University during his visit
this week, President Sarkozy commented on the period of French
colonialism, noting "Most of those who moved here from France did so
with good intentions. They came to work and to build things. They
were not aiming to enslave or colonize. But colonialism was in itself
an unjust system." Sarkozy asserted that during this period and
afterwards, both sides had been hurt. Algerian President Abdulaziz
Buteflika watched the speech in person.