Algiers: Algeria has withdrawn all privileged access cards granted to the French Embassy for Algerian ports and airports, in a move reflecting ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations. This decision, announced on Saturday, is reportedly a direct response to what Algeria perceives as restrictive measures imposed by France on its diplomats.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Algerian Foreign Ministry issued a statement highlighting the reclamation of privileged access cards previously granted to the French Embassy in Algiers. The ministry took this action after summoning the French charg© d'affaires for the second time on the same day. The ministry accused the French government of violating international obligations, particularly by obstructing the delivery and reception of diplomatic pouches.

The tensions have escalated as French obstructions, initially impacting only the Algerian Embassy in Paris, have now extended to Algeria's consular centers in France. This development comes despite earlier assurances from the French Foreign Ministry that it would review these measures.

The current diplomatic rift is the most significant between Algeria and France since Algeria gained independence from France in 1962. The situation deteriorated further in July 2024 when both countries downgraded diplomatic representation to the level of charg© d'affaires. This downgrade followed France's formal endorsement of Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, a stance that Algeria strongly opposes.