Algerian kidnapped diplomats still alive, says minister

Algerian foreign minister Ramtane Lamamra Monday said kidnapped diplomats in Gao in northern Mali are still alive and Algeria follows up their case.

The minister stressed Algeria’s importance as a main factor for the safety and stability of the region, in response to criticism.

“Algeria has never been absent. It was present in the Sahel issue and in all the issues related to the international community,” Lamamra told a press conference.

Speaking about the Sahel issue, he said Algeria believes that the region safety and stability can not be reached if there is no development.

He also said services in embassies will be enhanced in favor of Algerians living abroad. The number of Algerian embassies in the world is estimated at 83.

Algeria’s new communication minister Abdelkader Messahel promised to open a new page in institutional communication between the Algerian foreign ministry and different medias.

He defended Algeria’s positions in many international issues and cited previous visits of foreign ambassadors to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to consult him in a number of issues.

Delegate minister in charge of Maghrebin and African affairs Abdelmadjid Bouguerra said the establishment of a complementary relation as part of a real partnership between the foreign ministry and medias will constitute an important mean to promote Algeria’s interests.