Algiers - France has taken "a decision in principle" to reopen two consulates in Algeria, French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine announced yesterday. The consulates are in Annaba, in the east of the country, and Oran, in the west, but Mr Vedrine gave no date for their reopening.
After a day of lengthy talks with the new Algerian president, Mr Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Mr Vedrine said the often-strained relations between France and Algeria were undergoing "a strong revival."