Algiers “Discreetly” Managing the Diplomats Abduction Issue, Medelci

The authorities are managing “discreetly” the issue of the abduction of six Algerian diplomats in Mali, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mourad Medelci said Saturday .The official APS news agency has quoted Mr Medelci as saying that “the crisis unit we have set up is continuously monitoring developments related to this case which requires being managed with lot of discretion,” adding that “the government is committed for the repatriation of our compatriots safe and sound.”The chief of diplomacy further specified that “so far, there has been no claim about the kidnapping of our diplomats in Gao.”As for the proclamation of an independent state in northern Mali by the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), Mr Medelci said “Algeria’s position is constant. Like the international community, we are for the preservation of the unity and territorial integrity of Mali.”He further indicated that “With regard to the crisis in Mali, Algeria has strongly condemned the military coup, encourages ongoing efforts for a quick return to constitutional rule, the establishment of a legitimate government and opening a dialogue between all Malians to reach a solution to the issue of the North that should take into consideration territorial unity of the country and the best interests of the Malian people.”Meanwhile, the family members of the Algerian kidnapped diplomats have been repatriated home Friday on an aircraft pertaining to the Algerian Air Force.