Number of victims of Algerian massacres increase to 37

The number of people killed if in Sedi Sba' village in Ein Dafli province increased to 37, according to several Algerian dailies.

The Algerian authorities announced on Monday the killing of 27 persons at the hands of Armed Islamic Group. The Algerian daily Le Matin said that gunmen killed using knives and bombs some 37 persons.

La Tribune noted the same number of deaths.

The massacre took place just three days after Algerian President Liamine Zeroual called for early presidential elections in Algeria before the end of February 1999.

In Washington US State Department spokesman James Rubin stressed the need to carry out "Free and honest" presidential elections in Algeria.