US: Events surrounding Algerian elections disappointing, Arab League supports election results
Algeria-USA, Politics, 4/17/1999

US State Department spokesman James Rubin said yesterday that the United States is disappointed with the withdrawal of six of seven candidates in the Algerian elections, won by sole remaining candidate Abdul Aziz Bouteflika, and concerned by low voter turnout and allegations of fraud surrounding the elections.

Rubin indicated that it would be very difficult to make an authoritative assessment on the allegations of fraud. "We had hoped to have international election observers present to augment local efforts but unfortunately, that was not possible," he said.

He continued, "The elections in Algeria might have represented a clear step forward on the path to democracy and political reform. We are clearly disappointed by the events of recent days."

Rubin outlined the US belief on how to reach stability in Algeria, saying, "We reiterate our view that the way for Algeria to end its long-running crisis is through the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and economic reform. The Algerian leadership now assumes a heavy responsibility to pursue credible reform."

The Algerian government today expressed its rejection of the US claims on the Algerian elections and described these claims as " improper."It explained that these claims constitute an intervention in the internal affairs of Algeria.

The spokesman for the Algerian Foreign Ministry said today in a statement, that the Algerian government, despite its openness to cooperation based on mutual respect and interest, yet " it does not accept foreign intervention concerning ways of monitoring and tackling her own internal affairs."

Meanwhile, The Arab League today welcomed results of the Presidential elections in Algeria which resulted in the winning of Bouteflika of the Presidency. In a written message to the elected President, the Secretary General of the Arab league AL Ismat Abdul Meguid stressed the League's backing to Algeria in embodying the ambitions of its people, building her own modern strong state and continuing its optimum Arab role in backing common Arab solidarity.

Previous Stories:
  Algerians cast their votes for the only candidate for the presidency   (4/16/1999)

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