[JURIST] Algeria [JURIST news archive] Wednesday asked the government of France [JURIST news archive] to apologize for crimes committed during France’s colonization of Algeria, including France’s part in the massacres of 45,000 Algerians who demanded independence at the end of World War II. Since Algerian independence in 1962, France and Algeria have gradually normalized relations and are currently working toward a reconciliation treaty, but France strained ties earlier this year when it approved a law [text in French; Guardian report] requiring French history teachers to stress "the positive role of the French presence overseas, especially in North Africa." Reuters has more.