Algérie Presse Service (APS) - December 7, 2012
Speaking at a press conference held at the U.S. Embassy in Algiers, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns said "Over the past few years Algeria has implemented measures to strengthen its democracy and we express our satisfaction with the progress achieved in terms of democratic reforms."

He also expressed his satisfaction with the participation of the Algerian voters in last May's legislative elections and with the number of women elected to Parliament.

"My visit is another opportunity to strengthen our bilateral relations in different areas," Mr. Burns said, adding that he had held "excellent" talks with Algerian high officials.

Addressing the phenomenon of terrorism, he recalled that Algeria "has had to face this scourge" and that it "was the very first country to condemn the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and to express its solidarity with the American people."

"Since then, we have intensified our cooperation and our relations in key areas, in particular in the fight against terrorism," Mr. Burns said before noting that Algeria and the United States deploy "concerted efforts" at the Global Counterterrorism Forum.

He also discussed the Malian crisis, saying that, "The United States support the leadership position of Algeria in favor of promoting dialogue between the Malian government and the Tuareg in Mali."