Algérie Presse Service (APS) – January 14, 2012
Mr. Mourad Medelci declared that his visit to Washington was an opportunity “to set new horizons” for the bilateral relations and consultations held by the two countries on hotspots in the region.

He said that “relations between Algeria and the United States have been developing favorably” in several areas, including the economy, where the United States remains the first customer of Algeria for trade exchanges.

In the military sector, he said, training programs agreed on by the two countries are being implemented “to the satisfaction of the two countries.”

In the area of counterterrorism, Mr. Medelci noted the concerns raised by the situation prevailing in the Sahel region before and in the aftermath of the events in Libya. In this regard, the minister said that Algeria is coordinating, with some satisfactory results, the activities led by the countries of the Sahel region (Algeria, Mali, Niger, and Mauritania) “to organize counterterrorism synergies.”

With regards to the issue of Western Sahara that was discussed with Mrs. Clinton, the minister said that “We and our Moroccan brothers are compelled to sustain this effort not only to consolidate our bilateral relations but also to provide better impetus to the Arab Maghreb which we deeply wish for.” However, he continued, “In the Maghreb region, we must above all not forget our Western Sahara brothers, whose issue is being handled at the United Nations and that it will continue to be handled between the two sides that are directly concerned (by this issue).”

During his visit to Washington, Mr. Medelci held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who termed Algerian-American relations “excellent” and hailed the “very significant reforms” being undertaken by Algeria to strengthen the democratic edifice.

The minister for foreign affairs also held talks with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman, with whom he examined regional issues. Algeria is a member of the Arab League’s Arab Ministerial Committee on Syria and has deployed observers within the

Arab League’s mission of observation sent to Syria since last December.

Moreover, Minister for Foreign Affairs Mourad Medelci was guest speaker at a conference and Q&A session held on January 13 at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington. The conference dealt with the ongoing political transformations in North Africa and the Middle East. Attendees included members of the think tank, representatives from the U.S. State Department, academics, representatives of non-governmental organizations, and members of the foreign press.

Following a political and economic retrospective on Algeria, the minister underlined that the new reforms being implemented in the country are enshrined in six organic laws promulgated on January 12, which he briefly outlined, and in the coming constitutional revision, planned for the second half of 2012.

He said Algeria has set three fundamental objectives for itself, including strengthening the practice of democracy, improving the economy to stimulate domestic and foreign investment, and diversifying the economy.

Replying to a question on how Algeria could help Libya establish lasting peace, Mr. Medelci indicated that Algeria’s ambition is to involve Libya in building the Maghreb, where a new political system has emerged.

“While our support could not be financial, considering that Libya is a rich country, it could be very significant on the political level,” he stressed.
Calling the events experienced by Libya a real “earthquake” with definite impact on the future, the foreign minister said that reconciliation among the Libyans was imperative and that Algeria, which is experienced in the matter, could assist Libya, if Libya requested such contribution.

Mr. Medelci said that “The will is there among the countries of the Maghreb to build that regional space and give it a chance (to succeed) in better integrating their economies and coordinating their action in dealing with other countries.”

Asked about the future of Algerian-Moroccan relations, Mr. Medelci said the two countries have “quasi-normalized” ties at the moment and they both wish to develop “normal and, why not, privileged relations in the future.”

In this regard, the foreign minister indicated that over the past year the two countries have developed cooperation in sensitive areas and noted the agreements passed between them in the sectors of energy, agriculture, water resources, education, youth and sports.

Algeria and Morocco, he said, “Are bound to improve their relations.” Asked whether security cooperation was under consideration between the two countries, Mr. Medelci replied that security was “fundamental” because countries cannot do anything if they cannot successfully fight terrorism.

However, he insisted that dangerous activities such as drug and arms trafficking “also feed insecurity.”

Replying to a representative of a U.S. NGO who asked whether the Arab League observer mission in Syria was not a form of interference, the minister said the situation in that country is such that mediation was required.

He added that “It was binding on the Arab League, of which Syria is a charter member, to mediate to, in fact, avoid interference from occurring.” Mr. Medelci added that “chances are that resolution (of the issue) will be Arab.”

CSIS is a Washington think tank specializing in political studies and strategic analyses on numerous issues relating to politics, economy, security, finance, technology and energy. CSIS board members include former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and Zbigniew Brzezinski, former security advisor to President Jimmy Carter.