Algerian government signs an agreement with tribal chiefs

The Algerian government signed a peace agreement with the delegation representing Tanseqeyat al-Aroush in al-Kbyle area to the east of the capital. The agreement is expected to help in ending the pending crisis between the two sides since four years.

The Algerian prime minister Ahmad O Yahya said on Saturday evening that an agreement was reached on what is called "Ardeyat al-Qaser" ( the base of the palace) which includes the demands of al-Aroush which they had ratified on June 11, 2001 in al-Qaser city. The demands of the Amazigh in Ardeyat al-Qaser state to recognize the special identity in the Kbyle in addition to implementing economic reforms in the area.

The area witnesses tensions and confrontation in the spring of 2001 and led to killing of 100,000 persons and thousands of injured in the area.

O Yahya added "we do agree on a common implementation of Ardeyat al-Qaser." The government, however, has issued an official statement which read that it was agreed with al-Aroush to draw a mechanism to monitor the agreement according to the country's laws and constitution.

Talks were resumed between the government and leaders of Amazigh on Friday. O Yahya expressed during his meeting with a delegation representing Kbyle his hope to reach a joint formula that can close the file of the past.