Algérie Presse Service (APS) - Feb. 8, 2013
Algeria reaffirmed today through a statement made by the spokesman for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs Amar Belani its firm condemnation of the practice of ransom payment to terrorist groups and their associates in transnational organized crime.

Replying to a question relating to remarks made by former a U.S. Ambassador to Mali regarding payment of ransom to terrorists, Mr. Belani said in a statement released to APS that "Algeria firmly condemns the practice of ransom payment to terrorist groups and their associates in transnational organized crime, be it by states or private or public entities."

"As it has solemnly and on numerous occasions proclaimed its doctrinal position, which categorically rejects payment of ransom to criminal groups, Algeria is determined to persevere in its efforts, in collaboration with some of its partners at the UN, to achieve effective criminalization of this practice which constitutes the main source of financing of terrorism and organized crime," indicated further the Foreign Ministry's spokesman.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Mali Vicky Huddleston said on a French television channel that France is alleged to have paid millions of dollars to secure the release of its hostages held in the Sahel.