Italian, Algerian FM s discuss Algerian-European relations

Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini met on Monday in Algiers with Algerian President Liamine Zeroual and with Prime Minister Ahmad Ouyahia in an attempt to improve Algerian - European relations and encourage this country, which has been suffering from acts of violence over the past six years, toward openness.

Upon arriving at the Algerian capital on Monday night, the Italian minister said his talks will center on internal developments in the country. At a dinner banquet held 24 hours after his arrival in Algiers the Italian minister praised the democratic changes taking place in Algeria in the last three years. He highlighted the parliamentary elections, showing some ease with the moderate Islamic opposition.

He added that issues such as economic and political reforms, civil rights and the freedom of expression should be tackled. He added: "We have to express our full support for the results attained and to encourage Algeria to continue this path would will eventually lead to Algeria's relief from violence and terrorism."

Meanwhile, the French daily Le Doran said on Monday that the Algerian police on Thursday defused a bomb in Tezi Ozo. The paper said the bomb was placed on an oil train between al-Muhammadieh and Azoro cities.

Liberte daily reported that Islamist extremists slaughtered two persons at a false roadblock and burnt their bodies on Saturday in Ein Dafleh, 130 km south of Algiers.