France embraces positive thinking

Algeria's war of independence against France left an estimated 1.5 million civilians dead, and over 2 million displaced from their homes. During the brutal 8-year struggle, France incarcerated almost 2 million Algerians in concentration camps, and razed hundreds of inhabited villages by aerial bombardment. The use of torture by French colonial authorities was routine.

11/29/05 22:09 EST
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France Upholds Law That Smooths History

By NATHALIE SCHUCK
.c The Associated Press

PARIS (AP) - France's parliament voted Tuesday to uphold a law that
puts an upbeat spin on the country's painful colonial past, ignoring
complaints from historians and the former French territory of Algeria.

The law, passed quietly this year, requires school textbooks to address
France's ``positive role'' in its former colonies.

The language stipulates that ``school programs recognize
in particular the positive character of the French overseas presence,
notably in North Africa.''