Algeria: Signs of a warming in relations with France

“Today, between an apology that was never made, and forgetting, which is to be condemned, there is scope for taking a frank and responsible view of our colonial past,” Hollande wrote in a column for Algerian newspaper al-Watan in March.

Although  François Hollande, before being elected,  never announced that he would apologize on behalf of France, he nevertheless suggested that it was time for the country to turn the page of colonial history with Algeria. This is a message received by Algeria "Now he is in power, we hope the action," said the Algerian Minister of Veterans Affairs,Mohamed Cherif Abbas on public radio in late June.

Laurent Fabius, French foreign minister, confirmed on Wednesday that he will visit Algeria on 15 and July 16 for "an overview" . Infact François Hollande chose to complete an internship in Algiers and has visited as general secretary of the Socialist party several times and knows Algeria well.

France is struggling to integrate its large muslim population of 5 million and better relations with Algeria would definitely be helpful. Young Algerians and French of Algerian descent look for better job opportunities and visas more than the questions of the historical past . Many of Algerian descent in France feel alienated including the Harki community which has never been reconciled. Forgiveness needs to come from both sides.

"The future is positive but the path will be tortuous," Algeria's ex-prime minister Sid Ahmed Ghozali told a forum in Paris.  "We should ... look at ties not from an intellectual and moral perspective, but through the interests of the people."