Belaiz: civil state documents can be withdrawn from all municipalities in 2014

Algerian interior minister Taib Belaiz said people can withdraw civil state documents from any close municipality department starting from February or March. Those new measures were implemented through the creation of the Algiers-based National Register of Civil State in six provinces.

The minister also said Algerians living abroad will be able to withdraw those documents from the closest consulate to them.

“The government committed to offer public services of high qualities. The ministry started implementing those measures. For example, people are received once a week by municipal and provincial employees. All their complaints get replies. Some documents are delivered on the spot such as passports and national cards,” Belaiz told members of Parliament.

“A total of 50 percent of required documents will be banned through changes to legal texts,” he added.

According to the minister, local elected people and employees at the interior ministry will take training sessions in 2014 on management. A group of experts will prepare the program which will be compulsory.

“Local government officials should exchange experiences with their foreign counterparts in terms of management. Parties are responsible for the weak level of some mayors and local elected people as they are chosen by them.”

Asked about the use of foreign languages in shops, Belaiz said that would help to attract tourists and the most important thing is that official administrations and sovereign institutions use Arabic.

Speaking about elections supervision, he said the interior ministry is in charge of running them and their organization is submitted to the law on elections which stipulates the creation of a national commission in charge of elections supervision.

“The National Commission is in conformity to the law on elections. Opposition parties have the right to give their opinion and suggestions. Yet, that does not mean that they are always right. The law on elections stipulates big guarantees in order to hold transparent elections,” he added.

Asked about security situation on Algeria’s borders, he said all the borders are safe and protected.

Speaking about recent violent protests in the area of Guerara (south of Algeria), Belaiz said local authorities accomplished their task and restored safety.

“I talked to the prefect and a notable in the area. They told me the situation was settled. I am sorry that the protests were due to a conflict over a soccer game. Considerable damage was caused.”