[ecr]
In a message to the Algerian people on the occasion of National Emigration Day, marking the 63rd anniversary of the October 17, 1961 demonstrations, the President of the Republic said: “I bow my head with piety and deference to the memory of the victims of that sinister day, and I greet the children of Algeria, men and women abroad”.
The President of the Republic reiterated “the State's constant commitment to defending their rights, protecting their interests and creating optimum conditions for their integration in the process of national recovery and renewal, and in Algeria's dynamic transition towards the future, with a new vision, confident in the country's capacities and skilful youth, in the awareness of its youth and people of the challenges, convinced of winning the bets and realizing the dreams of our valiant Shouhada (war martyrs) in a haughty Algeria, the Algeria of nationalism and dignity, and committed to the principle of right and fairness with regard to the issue of memory,” wrote the President of the Republic.
“Certain extremist circles are trying to falsify or relegate this memory to oblivion, at a time when the question of memory needs a new breath of courage and integrity to rid itself of the complex of the colonial past and turn towards a future where there is no place for hate-mongers, among those who remain prisoners of obsolete colonial thinking,” he continued.
The celebration of the 63rd anniversary of National Emigration Day (October 17), comes “in commemoration of the struggles of our community abroad, which expressed the rallying of Algerian men and women residing in France at the time, to the Glorious Liberation Revolution,” he recalled.
This anniversary “remains deeply engraved in our minds given the strong symbolism it carries, illustrating the unity and attachment of the people to the goals outlined in the eternal 1 November Declaration."[/ecr]