(MENAFN) Algeria's Foreign Ministry on Monday sharply criticized France, accusing it of a "flagrant breach " of a 2013 agreement that exempts diplomatic passport holders from visa requirements. The ministry warned of a reciprocal response to what it views as a violation of established diplomatic norms.

The condemnation follows recent French media reports, citing unnamed sources, claiming that France has imposed visa requirements on Algerian officials holding diplomatic passports.

Algeria expressed "great astonishment" at the recent shift in French authorities' approach and rhetoric regarding visa issues, especially concerning the exemption for diplomatic and service passport holders. The ministry noted that “French discourse on this matter appears to be taking a strange and suspicious turn, characterized by orchestrated media leaks to selectively chosen outlets by the French Interior Ministry and the National Police Directorate.”

The Algerian ministry asserted that “it is evident that French decisions are now being communicated through unofficial channels, in a flagrant breach of established diplomatic norms and a clear violation of the 2013 Algerian-French agreement concerning visa exemptions for diplomatic and service passport holders.”

In response, Algeria stated it “will respond by strictly and precisely applying the principle of reciprocity, in proportion to the extent of France’s breach of its commitments and obligations.”

Furthermore, Algeria highlighted that it had not received any official notice from France through diplomatic channels, which is the only recognized method in international relations, contrary to Article 8 of the agreement.

The ministry concluded by stating, “The French government seems to be moving toward freezing or suspending the 2013 agreement while attempting to evade responsibility and the consequences of such action in a flagrant violation of the agreement.”

Relations between Algeria and France have been strained for months due to ongoing political, consular, and security-related tensions.

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