European visit: conflicting political reactions in Algeria
Algeria, International, 1/21/1998

The visit of the European Union troika to Algeria raised conflicting political and party reactions, with some welcoming and others rejecting the visit.

A statement issued by the Algerian Tagamoua party said opening the door to the European countries cannot be justified, whether it is done under the cover of combating terrorism or through offering assistance to Algeria, which it does not need.

The National Mujahideen Organization expressed its refusal to turn the Algerian crisis into an international issue under any pretext. It also rejected all forms and sources of intervention. It said any solution to the Algerian crisis must come from within Algeria.

The head of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Algerian parliament, Abdel Kader Hagar, said the visit is acceptable, as it aims to study the situation in Algeria and will try to offer assistance to combat terrorism.

The head of the Challenge Party Al Hashem Sherif criticized the troika's visit, which he described as putting one's foot on the edge of a pit.

Diplomatic sources in Algeria said the delegation, headed by British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Derek Fatchett is holding discussions with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf and with a number of Algerian officials, parliamentary groups and heads of Algerian organizations working in the human rights field.

A visit by the delegation to areas south of the Algerian capital affected by terrorism was not ruled out.

Previous Stories:
  Algerian ambassador in Cairo emphasizes his country's refusal of any foreign interference   (1/20/1998)
  Disputes in Algeria concerning European delegation's visit   (1/17/1998)
  New European leader against Israeli settlement campaign   (1/15/1998)

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