Paris "regrets" the Algerian proposal to criminalize colonialism

PARIS - French Minister of Immigration Eric Besson "regrets" Tuesday the bill criminalizing the French colonialism that the Algerian Parliament is considering adopting.

•    125 members of various Algerian political parties, including the National Liberation Front (FLN), have signed a bill  that "criminalizes the French colonialism (1830-1962), who, according to a member of this party will "likely" be adopted in spring by the Algerian Parliament. 
     "I deplore this proposal," responded Mr. Besson on French radio RMC.  
•   The Minister recalled that it was a "sensitive issue" as there are "still scars." We must not forget the colonialism and post-colonialism" but must "go beyond" this issue," he added. 
•    During a visit to Algeria in December 2007, French President Nicolas Sarkozy has strongly condemned the colonial system "inherently unfair". But he rejected any idea of "repentance", saying it is a form of "self-hatred" and "denigration" of his country.
• Ennaharonline/ M. O.