One has to wonder whether the recognition of the Sétif massacres in Algeria is connected with the French president’s visit to neighbouring Tunisia. Is France trying to show that its excellent and expanding relations with Tunisia don’t in any way diminish its ties with Algeria? Algiers has long wanted France to address grievances dating back to the colonial era, and ambassador Bajolet’s comments are a significant gesture. This comes as France and Tunisia inject fresh dynamism into their relations – a partnership that holds considerably less historical baggage than the Franco-Algerian one. Tunisia might even host the secretariat of the future Union for the Mediterranean, one of Nicolas Sarkozy’s pet projects. Tunis’s strong support for the idea and its flourishing business links with France and the EU could put it at the heart of the Union.

That’s where Algerian sensitivities come in. Sarkozy has also touted the Union for the Mediterranean in Algeria, and probably wants to avoid a charge of favouring Tunisia. He needs to appear even-handed when promoting the Union in Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco – all former French colonies or protectorates. While business may be the key to boosting France’s ties with Morocco and Tunisia, history still throws up obstacles to full normalization with Algeria. No doubt many Algerians will say ambassador Bajolet’s remarks fall short of an apology. But they are an important step towards a shared view of history. And that, surely, can do reconciliation no harm.