Algérie Presse Service (APS) - March 19, 2013
The ministry for Foreign Affairs celebrated today the 51th anniversary of Victory Day at a ceremony paying tribute to the memory of martyrs and including a salute to the national flag and reading of the first verse of the Holy Quran.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Mourad Medelci presided over the ceremony, which was attended by diplomats, veterans of the War for Independence, and ministry staff members.

In brief remarks, veteran Rabah Machhoud of the ministry's Office of Independence War Veteran Affairs underscored "the significance of this event" and recalled that "the Algerian people have made huge sacrifices for the recovery of their national sovereignty and to put a definitive end to colonization."

Mr. Machhoud called on younger generations to "preserve the memory of the nation, remain attached to the principles and values of the Mujahidin and the martyrs and sustain the fight for progress in all areas."