Interview- FIS ex-member Ahmed Merani: Ouyahia is catastrophe and Belkhadem must be ashamed of planning to be president- Last part
الشروق أونلاين
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In the last part of his interview, Ahmed Merani told Echorouk he respects Ali Benhadj and he asked authorities to lift the blockade on him. He also talked about some personalities who can be candidates for the 2014’s presidential elections.
Were the 1995’s presidential elections transparent?
President Zeroual reached a deadlock in his dialogue with Abbassi and Benhadj. The only solution he found was to go directly to the Algerian people to resume the electoral process. I believe that they had been the only transparent elections in Algeria since its independence.
How did Rahma law initiative come?
I had coordinated with the State’s institution since 1993 before the release of Rahma law. Many endeavors worked and many people gave up armed acts. Security forces received them and settled their situation. It was clear that reports were sent to President Zeroual to inform him that many armed people were ready to stop their actions. At that time, the president did not hesitate to issue Rahma law.
How was the truce decided with the Salvation Islamic Army?
State officials started their contacts from the province of Jijel (east of Algiers). Armed people really arrived to a deadlock and started looking for solutions. The deal was to give up armed actions in return for dropping legal prosecution. When Bouteflika took over power, he issued the Civil Concord which evolved to the National Reconciliation.
It is said some armed group leaders had large sums of money.
When the law on the Civil Concord was discussed, I was a member at the Senate. I said we could convince 6,000 misled people to stop their acts. Yet, the procedure alone was not sufficient. Those young men needed social care. Many of them are still jobless.
Benhadj suffers from the same problem.
I wonder why the police bother Benhadj. He is an Algerian citizen. They have to let him live and practice his rights like any other Algerian.
Are authortities afraid of him as he is able of mobilizing people?
This is ridiculous.
Do you make a plea to authorities to lift the blockade on Benhadj?
Those attitudes were due to the former interior minister. Benhadj is an Algerian citizen. He has all the rights and duties.
What about Abbassi?
You are asking me about the Arab Spring. Forces behind it want to prepare Abbassi as Algeria’s leader if things go viral. Yet, I am sure that Abbassi has no future in Algeria.
How do you evaluate Islamists’ participation in power?
They cared for their own interests. I said that in 1991. We spoilt politics. The MSP party thought it would reach power using that way but did it reach it? The reality says no.
Do you think authorities used the MSP or did the party benefit the most from authorities?
Authorities needed a political façade to calm down the situation.
What is the difference between the MSP’s Nahnah and the MSP’s Soltani?
There is a big difference. Nahnah is a well-known personality. He is respected in Algeria and abroad. Abu Djerra Soltani is behind the problems faced by his party.
You were appointed as religious affairs minister. Some criticized you of obtaining the price of your betrayal of the FIS.
People can say whatever they want. I freely expressed my positions. I bear my responsibility. I do not care about what it is said. I have worked on ending the crisis since 1991. I even traveled to Europe and the US to explain the real situation in the country. I proved to big countries that there was no jihad in Algeria. At that time, the FIS commands were collecting money to support armed actions and kill Algerians.
Some said authorities sent you in a European and American tour to ask for the extradition of the FIS commands.
I met media and political officials. I explained to them my position. I efficiently contributed in taking off foreign pressure on Algeria. I was appointed as minister after I had played a domestic and external role in ending the crisis. Late in December 1995, Ouyahia called me and told me he ordered to appoint me as religious affairs minister.
How long have you remained minister of religious affairs?
18 months.
How do you assess President Bouteflika’s mandate?
It was a disaster. The man came to serve Algeria but what did he do for Algerians. He had sufficient opportunities and capacities. Democratic president has to work with all the State’s institution. I believe that slogans such as one million houses and one million jobs are no more than a big lie.
But everyone testifies that President Bouteflika ended the bloodbath and resorted stability in the country.
Bouteflika was not behind the ending of the security crisis. Efforts had been made since the 1990’s.
If I give you some names as candidates for presidential elections, what would you say about them?
Ouyahia?
A real catastrophe to the country. He is rejected in his party. So, how can he be accepted as president?
Belkhadem?
He must be ashamed of thinking of being a president. He should think about a position which matches his level.
Benflis?
He has the largest chance to win the elections.
Who is eligible to run for office among Islamists?
None of them. If Nahnah was alive, he could have a chance. Soltani and Djaballah have little chances.
Why didn’t you found a political party?
I said politics spoilt us.
If you meet Abbassi, what would you say to him?
I will not talk to him if I meet him.
What about Benhadj?
I respect him. He is an honest man and not opportunist though we have different positions.
Why didn’t Algeria experience the Arab Spring?
First of all, the US is behind of this title. There is no Arab Spring. It is an Arab tragedy and a Western spring. No one was expected what happened in Tunisia. The West seized the opportunity. The US is now a friend of all the countries which witnessed revolutions. Syrians are following the steps of Libya, Egypt and Yemen. The price is paid by people only.
What do you think about Cheikh Karadaoui’s role?
Unfortunately, he became a tool used by Qatar. Such a respectable scholar was involved in banking operations with interests prohibited in Islam.
