US military official visits Algiers

It was announced in Algiers on Tuesday that Gen. Gregory Martin, the commander of the American air force is currently visiting Algeria, leading a high level delegation.

A statement by the Algerian defense ministry said that this visit falls in the course of backing cooperation relations between the two countries' armed forces and that it was decided that the American military commander will during this visit which started on Monday have talks with senior Algerian military officials.

The Algerian daily al-Bilad issued on Tuesday commented on news of the visit by saying that it is " an evidence that the US has been giving increasing interest in Algiers during the two past years."

The paper explained that these American attempts can not be dealt with apart from the American- European competition over the region.

The paper added that the White House officials have started to intensify their contacts and consultations with the countries of the region, especially with Algeria.