Algeria calls for immediate cessation of western air strikes on Libya

Algeria on Tuesday called for an immediate cessation of fighting and foreign intervention in Libya, Algeria News Agency reported citing the Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci.

• “We judge this intervention to be disproportionate in relation to the objective set out by the United Nations Security Council resolution,” the Minister told a press conference in Algiers.
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• The conference was held with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov following bilateral talks.
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• “Algeria seizes this opportunity to call again for an immediate cessation of fighting and foreign intervention to preserve our Libyan brothers’ life and allow them to settle the crisis peacefully and durably,” Medelci said.
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• “Algeria will join the efforts of the African Union which is expected to hold a meeting on March 25^th in Addis Ababa,” he added.
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• He also said his country is following with “sure interest” the efforts of the UN Secretary General who will hold a session with the Security Council upon a request from Libya for an “objective assessment” of the situation.
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• Earlier on Thursday, the UN Security Council authorised to carry out military actions in Libya to protect civilians from Mammar Gaddafi’s forces which were leading a war against revolutionaries.
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• Previously, Algeria warned against possible consequences of any foreign interference in Libya under the cover of human rights issue. “Worrying proliferation of weapons in Libya may stimulate the appetite of other parts which may impose themselves and commit terrorist acts,” he said.