Algérie Presse Service (APS) - Feb. 15, 2013
Minister of Interior and Local Governments Daho Ould Kablia said yesterday in Illizi that Algeria's borders with the Sahel countries, and primarily Mali, are "protected."

"There should be no concern about security at the country's southern borders because they are protected by the People's National Army," said the minister, speaking at a regional conference on development in the province of Illizi involving development and civil society stakeholders.

Responding to a question on concerns voiced by the local populations about the consequences of the Malian crisis on development of the southern regions of Algeria, Mr. Ould Kablia said "citizens have a role to play in stabilizing border security."

Civil society representatives and local stakeholders taking part in the conference have vigorously condemned the terrorist attack targeting the Tiguentourine gas plant last Jan. 16.