General Yala: my letter was misunderstood

Retired general Mohamed Yala’s letter to the US Secretary of State John Kerry about the presidential elections in Algeria raised a large controversy amid supporting and opposing opinions.

“Unfortunately, my letter was misunderstood. I did not call for foreign interference. Those who want to sell Algeria’s sovereignty at a cheap price are traitor,” Yala told Echorouk.

“My letter was clear. All the people know that. It was completely published on the press. The presence of Qatari prince in Algeria at this time increases doubts about the role of his country in the Arab nations. Kerry’s visit also deepens doubts about the electoral process transparency. The two visits may be meant to achieve strategic interests through blackmail and economic deals,” he added.

He also said his letter included a call for a democratic transition in Algeria. “My letter defends Algerian people’s right to recover their sovereignty. Corruption group can not come today and give me a lesson in nationalism.”

The president of the National Consultative Commission for Human Rights Protection and Promotion Farouk Ksentini called on the defense ministry to fill a lawsuit against the retired general and accused him of treason.