France announced on Friday that it will soon open to the public the most highly classified parts of its national archives about the Algerian war of independence, shedding light on some of the darkest chapters in France's 20th century history.
Between 1954 and 1962, France waged a war against an independence movement in its then colony. Hundreds of thousands of Algerians were killed, and French forces and their proxies used torture against opponents, according to historians.
"We need to have the courage to look the historical truth in the face," French Culture Minister Roselyne Bachelot said when she made the announcement about opening up the archive.The fighting in Algeria convulsed France and prompted a failed coup attempt against then-President Charles de Gaulle to stop him from ending French rule. Almost 60 years after it ended, the conflict is still a highly sensitive and divisive topic in France.
Declassifying the archives is an important step toward a better understanding of the war, according to Benjamin Stora, a leading French historian of Algeria. "You can know which people were under surveillance, followed, arrested," Stora told Reuters. "It's the whole chain leading up to repressive measures that can be unveiled."Algeria lived under French rule for 132 years until it won the independence war in 1962.
The announcement took place two days after a trip to Algiers by French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian. He held talks with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune aimed at reviving dialogue between the two sides, after ties deteriorated sharply.Reporting by Juliette Jabkhiro; Editing by Jon BoyleSubscribe for our daily curated newsletter to receive the latest exclusive Reuters coverage delivered to your inbox.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
New Caledonia to hold tense final vote on independence from FranceThe Pacific territory of New Caledonia goes to the polls at the weekend for a third and final referendum on independence from France with campaigning marked by angry demands to call off the vote because of the Covid pandemic.
Leer más »
Ishan Shukla’s ‘Schirkoa’ Animation Begins Motion Capture in France (EXCLUSIVE)Indian filmmaker Ishan Shukla has started the motion capture of his debut animated feature “Schirkoa” in Angoulême, France. The film tells the story of a bored office worker, who may h…
Leer más »
France draws ire in Pacific islands with New Caledonia referendumThe decision to hold a vote on independence despite a boycott by the territory's Indigenous Kanaks has been criticized by neighboring islands.
Leer más »
Saudi man mistaken for Khashoggi suspect was on holiday in FranceThe Saudi national arrested in Paris this week on suspicion of being involved in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was just a tourist who had been holidaying with a friend in France, an official familiar with the investigation said.
Leer más »
U.K. 'doesn't do what it says,' should work with France on migration, Macron Says'Why are these women and men in these terrible conditions? Because they don't want asylum in France,' French President Emmanuel Macron said.
Leer más »
Macron welcomes Scholz as France, Germany seek common ground after MerkelFrench President Emmanuel Macron welcomes new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Paris for an inaugural working meeting on Friday, when the two most powerful EU leaders will begin the search for common ground to tackle crises within the bloc and beyond.
Leer más »