Energy minister: Foreign companies will not leave Algeria

The Algerian energy minister Youcef Youcefi has yesterday disclosed a series of measures to shore up security inside the gas facility of Tigantourine, denying on the same occasion the allegations that the foreign companies and expatriates will not leave Algeria in the wake of the latest bloody terrorist attack.

The minister was very evasive over a question concerning the opening of an inquiry over the incapacity of British Petroleum security guards to secure the facility declaring that a procedure is underway.

Youcefi has indicated that “ foreign workers will not leave Algeria for real after the terrorist attack on the gas facility, they only need to reassure their families”.

The minister went on saying that the terrorists intended to blow up the complex but the workers have prevented the tragedy when they closed the pumps, noting that the some workers from the Algerian company Sonatrach have been freed by the security forces.

He seized this opportunity to pay homage to the military troops that eliminated the terrorists and freed hundreds of hostages. He has also extended his condolences to the families of the victims of this cowardly attack.