UN report supports Algerian government's efforts to fight violence
Algeria, Politics, 9/17/1998

A report published by the UN has condemned the acts of violence committed by extremists in Algeria and called upon the international community to support the Algerian government in its efforts to combat it.

"Terrorism has been condemned outright by the international community and is illegal under international law. Algeria deserves the support of the international community in its efforts to combat this phenomenon," the report said. However, it cautioned that, "Efforts to combat terrorism must take place within the framework of legality, proportionality, and respect for the fundamental human rights of the Algerian population."

The report, prepared by the UN fact-finding committee following a two-week visit to Algeria, stressed that the government's efforts to fight terrorism should be conducted within the course of honoring legitimacy and respecting the basic human rights of the Algerian people.

The report added that the forces in charge of enforcing the law, security and self-defense should be subjected to higher standards of control so as the Algerian people and the international community as a whole would be confident that law is enforced in Algeria.

The report highlights viewpoints of government officials and civilians, several of whom were in prison where they talked to members of the commission. The committee held no side responsible for any statement or position.

The report indicated that terrorism can be fought only through more democracy and efforts to change the mentality of the judicial system and the institutions responsible for human rights in the Algerian police and army alike.

The report called for accelerating the process of privatization in the Algerian economy to achieve as proclaimed by members easing the shortage of housing and eliminating unemployment. The report expected Algeria to go through more social difficulties and acts of disturbance in the future unless such problems, which it described as urgent, are effectively treated.

In July, the UN chief dispatched a committee to Algeria to look into the acts of violence which have been wracking the country for six years.

Western estimates say that more than 65,000 persons have been killed in Algeria since 1992. The Algerian government holds responsibility of the killing of extremist organizations, foremost being the Armed Islamic Group.

Previous Stories:
  Zeroual resumes consultations to appoint a new prime minister   (9/17/1998)
  Fact-finding UN committee on Algeria issues report, human rights and economy addressed   (9/15/1998)
  Algerian president will not nominate himself for presidency   (9/12/1998)

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