Algeria: Security measures bolstered around EU diplomatic representations

The Algerian authorities have not waited for the request of the countries of the European Union to already enforce extra security measures around their embassies and consulates across the country, following Friday’s deadly attacks that hit the French capital Paris, prompting unanimous international condemnation.

Indeed, the intensity and horror of the terrorist attacks in Paris have led the Algerian authorities, through the security services, to respond quickly and take all appropriate measures to protect sensitive sites and institutions, to the example of the Presidency of the Republic, the Government Palace, the various ministries, the two Houses of Parliament, as well as the foreign diplomatic representations, and the ports and airports of the country, etc.

In this context, France’s ambassador in Algeria, his Excellency Bernard Emié urged the Algerian authorities to strengthen security around the French institutions in Algeria, like Embassies, Consulates, cultural Institutes as well as French schools and French Companies…

Also in this context, the Italian, the Spanish and Belgian embassies in Algeria also called for the bolstering of the security measures around their diplomatic compounds.

Mr Bernard Emié did not rule out the idea that those terrorists who committed the horrendous attacks in his country could commit other attacks targeting French nationals and facilities abroad.

He also advised his countrymen based in Algeria to stay calm, to be careful and respect the safety instructions regarding their movements.

The French Ambassador further confirmed that French schools will be closed during the three days of mourning and the French flag will be flown at half-mast on the fronts of all French institutions in Algeria, stressing that the state of emergency declared in France will not affect the flights between the two shores of the Mediterranean.

He also hailed the full support of Algeria, which has already experienced the horrors of the scourge of terrorism for his country in these painful moments through the heart-felt messages of solidarity and condolence, including from  the highest Algerian authorities with on prime focus President Bouteflika who sent a message to his French counterpart François Hollande, in the aftermath of the “cowardly and heinous attacks” that struck the heart of France, by condemning them as “a real crime against humanity.”