Algeria is resolved to fight corruption, says energy minister

Algerian energy minister Youcef Yousfi Thursday said he is resolved to fight corruption and prevention measures to support control on deals conclusion. A measure is issued to forbid dealing with companies involved in corruption who will be asked to pay compensation.

“We are resolved to concretize those measures in a strict way,” Yousfi told members of Parliament.

“Our objective is to defend our interests. Companies involved in corruption will have to pay compensations,” he added.

Speaking about suspended cases, the minister said justice should investigate in them and the ministry will wait for results.

“We are for the fight against corruption phenomenon but energy sector must not be hit because it is pioneer in national economy development.”

Yousfi stressed the fight against illegal practices and the protection of the country and the energy sector.

“Executives should be enabled to accomplish their role in appropriate conditions,” he said.

A member of Parliament called for a general debate about corruption.

Another member called for banning suspicious tenders in mines sector which were concluded by the National Agency of Mining Resources. Four companies bid to win four sites.

Yousfi denied wrongdoings in the tender, saying it was conducted in accordance to legal and administrative procedures because the four sites located in the provinces of Souk Ahras, Ghardaia, Naama and Laghouat were granted in a public session in presence of media.