Khelil: I will enter Algeria soon

Algeria’s former energy minister Chakib Khalil Wednesday said his appearance in court following an international arrest warrant is a question of time. He will choose a lawyer and will surrender.

“I will enter Algeria but that needs preparations including a lawyer. I am looking for a competent lawyer and I am ready to cooperate,” Khalil told Echorouk.

He added that he will not choose a foreign lawyer.

Speaking about his family members who are also concerned by the warrant, he said everyone is responsible for his or her choices.

“If one of them believes that it is necessary to appear in court, they can do it. If they refuse, they will be responsible for their decisions. I will not put pressure on none of them.”

Speaking about Italian public prosecutor’s threats, Khelil said if the prosecutor has evidences “against me, he can give it to justice. My situation can not be compared to Berlusconi’s.”

According to sources, the arrest warrant may be protection of Khalil from Italian justice. The Algerian justice has the priority to trial the former minister.

If Khalil surrenders or is extradited, he will be under judicial surveillance until the end of the investigation.