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ALGIERS, Algeria — French President Nicolas Sarkozy called his country’s past colonial system “profoundly unjust” Monday in a step toward ending decades of rancor with Algeria, once the crown jewel among French colonies.
France has steadfastly rebuffed entreaties to apologize for an era marked by humiliation and brutality in some colonies.
“Yes, the colonial system was profoundly unjust, contrary to the three founding words of our republic: liberty, equality, fraternity,” Sarkozy said at the start of a three-day state visit to Algeria.
The French leader was looking to seal billions of dollars in contracts with the gas-rich North African nation. He announced that more than $7.3 billion in contracts were to be signed today.
