Hanoune: Hollande apology ‘useless’

The head of Algeria's Workers' Party Louisa Hanoune declared that requests to France to apologise for its crimes against Algeria during the colonial era are "useless". Describing debate on the issue as "sterile", she pointed out that Hollande’s visit will “serve the economic interests of France,” and Algeria should not hold out for a “miracle”. In a press conference at the headquarters of the party, Hanoune said that the Workers Party is not demanding a French recognition of its crimes during the period of occupation in Algeria. "We, as Algerians, have to act as a sovereign state because our national sovereignty was seized by force not granted, unlike many other colonies." Hanoune also expressed her concerns over the upcoming presidential election in 2014 based on the current situation concerning forgery in legislative and local elections.