French Senate recognizes Algerian repression of 1961

ISTANBUL

General view of the hemicycle during a debate before the vote of the a law ratifying a European budget discipline treaty at the National Assembly in Paris October 9, 2012. REUTERS photo

The French Senate adopted yesterday (Oct. 23) a draft resolution recognizing the repression that occurred during a demonstration by the National Liberation Front (FLN) in Paris on Oct. 17, 1961, daily Le Figaro has reported. The resolution was passed by 174 votes to 168.

Voting came after President François Hollande recognized on Oct. 17 France's responsibility for the violent repression during the Algerian independence demonstration.

The Senate is also set to vote on Thursday on a bill originally passed by the National Assembly back on Jan. 22, 2001, which plans to declare March 19 - the cease-fire date in Algeria - as a national day of remembrance for the victims of the conflict.

Both votes have been strongly protested by the right-wing opposition.