Diplomatic tensions rise over passport dispute

A senior source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs firmly rejected recent remarks made by the French Interior Minister in an interview with Le Figaro, in which he announced his intention to instruct French prefectures to disregard passports issued by Algerian consulates for the purpose of granting residence permits.

The source described the statement as irresponsible and unfriendly, asserting that it constitutes a direct violation of international conventions governing consular affairs and the sovereign rights of states to issue legal documents to their nationals. The Ministry emphasized that such actions, if implemented, would not only undermine bilateral relations but also contradict France’s own legal commitments and principles.