Algerian Twaregs leader to Echourouk: Self –determination for the Azawad doesn’t concern Algeria

The leader of the Touareg’s dignitaries of the province of Tamanrasset and member of the Algerian parliament Mahmoud Kemmama has indicated that the suggestion of the ECOWAS plan for self-determination to the Azawad people in Northern Mali doesn’t concern Algeria.

• “ Algeria will remain united and the tribes of Tamanrasset and Adrar are Algerians that will never give up their citizenship and will never be affected by this proposal”, he added.
• Talking with Echourouk in a telephone conversation yesterday , Kemmama has indicated that France is behind the proposal of self-determination raised by the French speaking countries of the ECOWAS. However, he adds it is legitimate for the people of Azawad to ask for their spoiled rights.
• The Touraegs’ representative has upheld the idea of a dialogue between the leaders of North Mali and the Malian central government to reach a consensus either through self determination or remaining within the integrity of the Malian soil with the participation of the Azawad in the government.
• He objected any foreign intervention in the region “because it will not solve the problem of the Malians in one hand, and it’s a clear attempt to interfere in the Algerian domestic affairs on the other hand”.
• The former officer in the Algerian intelligence services Chafik Mesbah has indicated that the project of self-determination for the Azawad that the ECOWAS want to impose on the Malian central government is an historical issue that will have an impact on the whole Twaregs in the region including those in Niger and Algeria.