Algerian Radio
The Speaker of the People's National Assembly, Mr. Ibrahim Boughali, asserted that the text of the law criminalizing French colonialism in Algeria establishes an "international reference" in this field, noting that "national memory is closely linked to national sovereignty."
In an interview granted to the program "Le Vrai Dialogue" (The Real Dialogue) on the Belgian channel "Atypique," Mr. Boughali highlighted that this text represents "a full sovereign act, given that national memory is closely linked to national sovereignty." He added that it came within the framework of a "firm commitment and long struggle led by the deputies," calling for "pride in the Assembly's role in protecting national memory."
Regarding Algerian-French relations, the Speaker of the People's National Assembly considered that "the diplomatic approach of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, was wise, but hidden French forces prevented the progress of the path."
In the same context, he stressed that "Algeria is an independent and sovereign state, and the pressures imposed by others will not prevent it from making its decisions," explaining that "the goal is to achieve justice and historical truth to establish sound relations and a shared future for generations ahead."
Mr. Boughali added that the path of this proposal was distinguished by "the formation of a committee including all political currents to give it the character of a popular demand and to block the way for those who want to exploit the cause."
In order to avoid political maneuvering, the Speaker of the Assembly stated that work was done "quietly and away from press statements until the completion of the project, the final version of which was reviewed with legal experts and then voted on last December 24."
As a commitment from Algeria towards countries that suffered under colonialism, Mr. Boughali explained that the text of the law "will be translated into English, German, and Spanish to serve as a reference for African, Asian, and American countries that suffered from colonialism." He highlighted that the law "represents a strong political and moral foundation and can be an international reference while respecting international law."
Regarding the content of the text, Mr. Boughali mentioned the demand for the former colonizer to "clean up the sites that were the scene of nuclear explosions and hand over the maps of French mines that we have not yet received."
In this regard, the Speaker of the Assembly denounced the attempt by French colonialism to "play for time, believing that the independence generation will forget the crimes of the occupation," pointing out that this assumption is "incorrect."
