Algeria is “a leading country” in the fight against terrorism, says US Coordinator for Counterterrorism

The United States considers Algeria “a leading country” and an “unavoidable” partner in the fight against terrorism and is “ready” to cooperate in all aspects to eradicate this transnational phenomenon, declared in Algiers on July 26 Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the U.S. State Department, Mr. Daniel Benjamin.

“We appreciate the efforts of Algeria in the fight against terrorism in the Maghreb as well as in the Sahel region or elsewhere and we are very grateful for that,” said Mr. Benjamin at a press conference held at the U.S. Embassy in Algiers. “The Algerian Government is capable, on its own, to solve all issues related to terrorism and we are ready to provide any assistance it may request,” added Mr. Benjamin.

Responding to a media enquiry about his talks with Algerian high officials, the U.S. Coordinator for Counterterrorism said that his discussions have namely included the ways and means likely to develop and strengthen cooperation between the two countries, and underlined that exchange of information and intelligence remains a “very efficient” method used to combat terrorism.

“Cooperation with Algeria has always covered numerous aspects and we have never encountered any barriers or obstacles, said Mr. Benjamin, adding that Algeria and the United States have “excellent cooperation ties”. He also hailed “the considerable progress” achieved by Algeria in the fight against terrorism, stressing that the United States is learning and benefiting from the Algerian experience in that area.
Moreover, he highlighted Algeria’s role in the prohibition of ransom payment to hostage-takers, saying that “it (ransom payment) is kind of concession made by concerned governments and a sort of financing of terrorism.” Furthermore, the U.S. official reaffirmed his country’s willingness to provide all aid and assistance required to the countries of the Sahel region to help them combat terrorism, ruling out for the time being any likelihood of U.S. “direct” involvement in the region.

 

“The united States has no intention of deploying any troops in the (Sahel) region, because we consider that the countries concerned have sufficient capacities to face the phenomenon of terrorism,” he said. Asked about the execution, last July 24, of French hostage Michel Germaneau by terrorist groups, Mr. Benjamin replied that it shows the threat level represented by terrorist activity in the Sahel region and underlined that the United States “is always committed to help the countries of the region in combating this phenomenon.”