Algeria’s upcoming polls an opportunity to change, U.S Ambassador Henry Ensher says

Algeria’s May 10 legislative elections is an opportunity for Algerians to change the regime of their country, through calling all citizens to make of it a successful date, U.S Ambassador to Algeria, Henry S. Ensher says.

“I f you want to change the regime, you should participate in the next polls. Elections are a real opportunity for change through the large participation of youth in this important day (May 10), as voters, elected and volunteers in monitoring committees, as well as the strong presence of international observers”, Mr. Eensher added, during a joint press conference on Monday at the American embassy in Algiers, accompanied by the Special Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Director of the State Department’s Global Youth Issues Office, Ronan Farrow.

“We felt that Algerian youth have a desire and strong will to participate in the upcoming elections”, Ronan Farrow said.

The US ambassador denied, in another context, the regular meetings held by the American embassy with young Algerians in confidentiality, like the meeting organized Tuesday by Ronan Farrow with a group of students and owners of small and medium companies, and met also with representatives of the National Agency for Supporting Youth Employment “ENSEJ”, and the National Agency for Employment “ANEM”.

“There is a very important part in our activities, especially with non-governmental organizations which are committed to full transparency with Algeria government, and we inform our partners about the meetings”, Mr. Henry Ensher explained.

In response to a question about interest of the US embassy in youth and civil society, and the upcoming polls, Mr. Ensher said; “This is the role of all governments in the world. Algeria’s stability and prosperity, and democracy as well, will be of course in the service of American interests. Unemployment in Algeria reaches 21%, especially since 70% of the population is youth under the age 30.     

“U.S. Secretary of State Ms Hillary Clinton used to visit countries for a particular aim, but it was not the case with regard to her visit to Algeria, which reflects the strong relationships between the two countries and their will in tighten partnership and coordination in many fields”, Mr. Ensher asserted.