Bouteflika: Reconciliation, Justice and the econmy as foundation for new Algeria
Algeria, Politics, 7/31/1999

In a private statement to the Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram published today, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika stated that his country has been able to overcome its security crisis, which threatened the pillars of the country with destruction, and threatened to ruin the national unity of the county, but the security situation is obviously improving.

Concerning the civil reconciliation law, upon which the parliament has agreed, Bouteflika said this law forms the legitimate and legal framework for national reconciliation and enables all those who did not shed blood to return to their homeland and join society.

Bouteflika shed light upon the national work in Algeria that will head toward achieving economic development, saying it is considered the only framework capable of removing the roots of terrorism and social violence. He added that he confirmed the importance of respecting justice and constitution.

Releasing 2,500 prisoners, on the anniversary of the Independence Day, Bouteflika stated, was a step toward achieving civil concord and harmony, saying they will free a second group of nearly the same number soon.

Meanwhile, Bouteflika emphasized his insistence on restoring peace for Algerians, ending the riots and overcoming the crisis in order to turn the painful page forever, subsequently planting fair and good roots in Algeria and setting forth a peaceful and wonderful time for Algeria.

On the foreign level, Bouteflika said that after overpassing the crisis his country insists upon adopting a strategy that will enable it to restore its role.

Concerning the peace process in the Middle East after Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak came to power in Israel, Bouteflika said, "We hope the Arab - Israeli negotiations along their different tracks can apply the decisions of international legitimacy on the basis of land-for-peace to achieve permanent, just and comprehensive peace leading to the establishment of the Palestinian state with its capital Jerusalem, restoring the Golan and south Lebanon so all peoples of the region can live in security and peace."

Concerning the future of the Arab Maghreb Union, the Algerian president said that as his country forms the heart of this union, it exerts its utmost efforts to achieve the hopes and aspirations of the union.

Answering a question about Algerian - Moroccan relations, Bouteflika said that Algerian - Moroccan relationships will witness a noticeable improvement in the interest of the two countries, clarifying that Algeria is greatly concerned with applying the referendum for the self-determination of the Saharan people with total freedom, where Algeria is to adhere to its results.

Meanwhile, Algeria is very concerned with solving the problems of opening borders, canceling visas and activating the work of the bilateral committees.

Concerning, the convening of a comprehensive Arab summit, Bouteflika expressed his support to hold it.

In response to the US investments in Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco to boost the role of the three countries in the Arab Maghreb Union and whether this will affect the negotiations of Algeria with European Union or not, Bouteflika said: "Algeria greatly welcomes the deep and strong cooperation with the USA, and I don't believe this expected cooperation will contradict with its distinguished relations with its European partners."

Concerning relations with France, Bouteflika said that his country is fully ready to cooperate with France on the basis of mutual interest and mutual respect of sovereignty, expressing his many thanks to the efforts of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak for improving relations with them.

Previous Stories:
  Levy: Bouteflika-Barak handshake was positive for acceptance of Israel   (7/30/1999)
  Morocco profoundly grateful to Algeria's Bouteflika   (7/30/1999)
  Boutaflika, Vedrine meet in Algeria   (7/30/1999)
  Islamic Salvation Front cautiously replies to Bouteflika's proposals regarding reorganization   (7/20/1999)

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