Abbas Madani urges the Algerian armed factions to stop violence

In an important development that is expected to lead to a retreat in violence in Algeria, Sheikh Abbas Madani, head of the prohibited Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), urged all the Algerian armed factions to stop their operations to achieve the greatest benefit for the nation.

He said in a message directed yesterday to Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika that he supports the decision of the Islamic Salvation Army, the armed wing of the FIS, to stop its operations, and he expressed his support to Bouteflika in all his steps to enhance peace and reconciliation in Algeria.

The Islamic Salvation Army has observed a truce since October 1, 1997. On June 6 the Islamic Salvation Army announced its intention to hand over its weapons and to abide by the state's authority.

President Bouteflika responded to the decision by declaring a draft project whose content was not disclosed, which he said will be debated in the parliament in due time.

Rabeh Kabir, head of the executive organization of the FIS said the initiative of the Islamic Salvation Army was in response for the call directed by Madani, and now the FIS hopes that all those belonging to the front will adhere to Sheikh Abbas Madani's initiative.