Interview- Chakib Khelil to Echorouk: I am ready to appear in court in Algeria

Algerian former energy minister Chakib Khelil denied he has American nationality or any other foreign passport , saying he is ready to appear in court in Algeria as an international arrest warrant was issued for him on charges related to “corruption, abuse of authority and belonging to an international criminal network”. “I had met Farid Bedjaoui twice because he had legal capacity at Saipem. He attended official meetings but I did not know him,” he told Echorouk in an interview.

Did you read news reports citing the international arrest warrant issued for you by Algeria’s public prosecutor?

I did not read newspapers as I am used to check news websites in the evening.

Have you learnt that an examining judge in charge of the Sonatrach case issued an international arrest warrant for you and your family?

Yes, I have. I was surprised by the warrant and the public prosecutor’s remarks. Earlier on May 20^th, I received a summons to appear in court in Oran. I did not ignore it. I answered them, saying I could not come as I was ill. I attached a certificate about my health conditions. I also sent a copy to the Algerian justice minister.

What do you mean exactly?

I received one summons only on May 20^th. Since then, I have not received any summons. My medical file is with the justice minister.

You mean Mohamed Chorfi?

I was clear. I said the justice minister.

Did you expect such a warrant?

I was very surprised. I do not understand why the warrant was issued for me.

There are heavy charges against you about your involvement in corruption cases with foreign companies.

I have no idea about those corruption cases. I have learnt through national and foreign media that Farid Bedjaoui received bribes from Italy’s Saipem.

What is the relationship between you and Bedjaoui?

He had never worked with me. He worked for Saipem. He attended some meetings as he was its representative.

So, you met him.

I had met him twice but I do not remember why. He had a contract with the Italian company. I think even media talked about this contract. Many Algerian and North Africans work with foreign companies.

Does this kind of contract give the right to get bribes and hit national interest?

I meant that those contracts are legal.

Are you ready to appear in court in Algeria?

Yes, I am. I will do it when I receive a summons.

Aren’t you afraid of prison?

I have no fears. The issue is very simple and I am not worried about that.

But you did not reply May 20^th’s summons.

I told you I was ill and I could not come.

The warrant prevents you from travelling. Where are you living?

I am living in the US.

In which state?

In Washington.

Will you travel under the protection of American nationality?

I do not have American nationality neither any other nationality. I travel with my Algerian passport.

Are you sure?

Yes, I am. I say to everyone that I do not have American nationality. Those rumors are baseless.

The warrant was also issued for your family. How did they react?

I am surprised by that. We did not understand anything. I am a politician who worked in Algeria and other countries. Even when I retired in 2010, I worked for other companies in a number of countries. My wife and sons have nothing to do with my job.

Your son Khaldoune is not involved in the business world. Yet, your second son Sinaa is involved in it.

Sinaa has never worked in oil field. He has been working in computer filed. He had a company specialized in computer system in California. He left this field and he is working in other sector which has nothing to do with oil.

It may have something to do with power abuse or mediation.

My wife and children have never been involved in my work. They have other specialties.

You insist that you have nothing to do with corruption cases in Sonatrach. Why have you kept silence all this time?

I thought the issue would not go beyond media reports.

What about now?

I will appear in court.

But you fled Algeria.

I did not flee. I left from Oran on March 25^th or 26^th due to obligations abroad. I have work with many companies.

Who do think is targeting you?

I do not know. I do not accuse anyone. If I knew those behind those accusations and lies, I would have denounced them to public opinion.

Do you believe that the Sonatrach corruption scandal is a political conflict and not judicial?

I ignore the objectives.

Since you joined the Algerian government, you had been seen as President Bouteflika’s close men. Have you called him since you left?

I have not called him.

You haven’t even called people close to him to transmit your complaints if you are innocent as you say?

As far as I am concerned, it is a simple case with no evidence. There is no need to call the president.

So, you will appear in court?

When I receive the summons, I will do it.

What about your health state?

I recovered thanks God.