Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini at the European Parliament plenary debate on the situation of freedoms in Algeria

28.11.2019
Strasbourg

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Merci Monsieur le Président. 

L’Algérie n’est pas seulement un pays voisin mais surtout un partenaire, politique et économique, un pays ami. Pour beaucoup de citoyens européens l’Algérie est aussi la famille. Donc nous ne parlons pas d’un pays parmi d’autres, nous parlons d’un pays ami qui est très proche de nous. Je pense que le premier sentiment que nous tous en Europe ressentons envers le peuple algérien est l’amitié et la proximité. 

Notre respect pour la souveraineté et l’autonomie de l’Algérie est totale. Il est très important que ce débat réaffirme cela de la plus forte et la plus claire des façons. C’est aux algériens et à eux seulement de décider du présent et du futur de leur pays. Et c’est exactement pour cette raison que les algériens doivent être libres de s’exprimer, avec la garantie que [les principes contenus dans] la Constitution et les accords internationaux qui ont été signés par l’Algérie soient respectés. 

There are certain principles that Algeria has subscribed to – as some of you referred to – first and foremost in the Algerian Constitution, but also with international agreements, and with the Association Agreement that Algeria has with the European Union. These principles include all fundamental freedoms, including political freedoms, freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of the press. The freedoms guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which is the cornerstone of our Association Agreement.

In the current moment, it is important that all the different actors in Algeria can enjoy these rights. This is a message that not only comes from this debate today but this is exactly the message we have constantly and consistently conveyed to our Algerian partners and interlocutors, at all levels, over these months. And I believe that this will continue to be the message that the next Commission, the incoming High Representative will continue to pass to our interlocutors in Algeria. 

Algerians can build a consensus around the future of the country, in line with people’s legitimate expectations. And this can only happen peacefully and democratically, in full respect of the principles that Algeria has subscribed to.

The European Union will continue to engage with all Algerian actors, as we have done so far – as neighbours, as partners and as friends. And I am sure that this Parliament will accompany the work of the next Commission in this respect.

Thank you.

Link to the video : https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-180935