Algeria may ban cooperation with Mali, says diplomat
Algeria will investigate in the case of a French man’s abduction to find out whether the Malian kidnappers had got ransom for his release, said an official at the foreign ministry.
- Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source told Echorouk the Malian government’s act is dangerous and will have repercussions on bilateral relations. “Each time, Mali gave a ransom to terrorists but it is too much this time. They released people wanted by the Algerian justice for terror-related charges.”
- Mali released four terrorists including two people wanted by Algeria. This comes as French hostage Pierre Camatte who was held by the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat in Mali denied Mali’s allegations.
- “The Malian government did an unfriendly act. It turned a deaf ear to the bilateral agreement on judicial cooperation between the two countries,” he added.
- He believes that France has a hand in what happened. It is said French President Nicolas Sarkozy may go to Mali to accompany the freed hostage to his home country. This comes as Algerian French relations are in their worst state ever since the independence.
- The official showed optimism over bilateral relations between Algeria and Mali. “I don’t think that Algeria will continue its common work with Mali at least in the near future after what Bamako did.”
- He though said Algeria will respect security multipart agreement.
- “Algeria has common security agreements with Mali, Niger and Mauritania. We should implement them as we respect Mauritania which had the same position as Algeria. It is the same thing for Niger.”