International committee chief denies meeting with Algerian opposition

Chairman of the international committee Mario Soares, currently visiting Algeria has denied having met with leaders of the banned Algerian Islamic Salvation Front Party. "Such meetings are officially announced," he said.

The spokesman for the International committee said that it is not the intention of the team to deal with illegal groups or political parties. The international team members met with Algerian Finance Minister Abdul Karim Shadi and the secretary-general of the Democratic National Society Party al-Taher Bin Baeibeish.

Following the meeting, Baeibeish said his party supports dialogue inside elected constitutional institutions which practice their activities in compliance with the country's constitution. He added that he discussed with the international team how to deal with social and economic problems in his country from his party's perspective.

Meanwhile, Algerian security forces killed six members of the Armed Islamic Group in Bleida and al-Jalfa provinces during the two past days.

Algerian dailies published today said that an armed group killed 13 persons during an attack launched Tuesday in Medea province.

Elsewhere, a military source in Belarus said that his country has signed a contract providing for selling Algeria 36 Boeing 29 planes. In a statement to France Press, the sources added the 36 planes -- made in 1986 al-Baranovich factory -- will be renovated before being delivered to Algeria.