Abdelaziz Rehabi: Algeria has no other choice but to open air domain

Former Algerian minister Abdelaziz Rehabi believes that Algeria authorized French war planes to pass by its air domain to hit terrorist groups in northern Mali before the French military operations started. Algeria had no other choice but to satisfy the French request. That does not mean the Algerian army participates in the war, he told Echorouk in an interview.

What is the difference between authorizing the use of the Algerian air domain and the Algerian army participation in the war in Mali?

In such a war, the authorization is not a simple technical operation. It should respect special conditions. As Algeria accepted the UN Security Council resolution, it must participate in its implementation. It does not oblige Algeria to participate militarily in the rest of the operations. I believe that the Algerian government gave this authorization before the French air operations started against armed groups in northern Mali.

The announcement about the opening of Algeria’s air domain was made by the French foreign affairs minister and not by an Algerian official. What does this mean?

That’s not new in Algeria and in some Arab and African countries. Rulers do not valorize public opinion because they still believe that their people are immature.

In Algeria, Parliament does not keep watch on the government’s performance in its foreign policy which is under the president’s exclusive authority. International media may create double ideas among Algeria about the issue. Politicians, civil society and the military elite do not make efforts to sensitize people.

Why did Algeria change its position?

After the UN Security Council resolution No 2085 was adopted, I expected the failure of the Algerian endeavor for negotiations and political solution choice for many reasons. Algeria ignored the reality of modern international relations which is bilateral relations. The Malian government is not ready to hold talks with Ansar Dine and Azwad movement because they refused to obey to the Malian State’s authority even if it is not legitimate.

What did Algeria gain in return for authorizing France to use its air domain?

I don’t think that Algeria was blackmailed. It respects the UN Security Council resolutions. Algeria has no other choice.

What would be the consequences of this war on Algeria?

If civilians come to Algeria to flee the war, some armed groups may also come. We have not experienced such a situation for 50 years. Politicians in Algeria are not aware of that. That would worsen the situation.