New US airports measures will not spoil relations with Algeria, says ambassador Pearce

Bilateral relations between Algeria and the United States are strong and can not be affected by the new additional security measures in airports, Ambassador David Pearce said on Monday.

• “Those measures were decided by President Obama. They came in difficult conditions due to the increasing terror threats,” the US ambassador told a news conference in Algiers.
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• “Algeria has played a leading role in the fight against terrorism for more than ten years. It remarkably contributed in restoring peace and stability in its Mediterranean environment and in the world,” he added.
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• Speaking about women’s rights, Pearce said Algeria has taken a number of positive steps in the last few yeas to enlarge women’s rights.
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• He gave the example of changes made to the Family Code 2005 as they provide women with more rights in divorce and housing-related cases. “The 2008 constitutional amendment acknowledges the value of women’s role in the political life.”
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• The ambassador also said the US wants to enhance cooperation relations in civilian and military fields. “My country is ready to support and develop all the cooperation means in many fields including defence, trade, scientific research and culture.”
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• He pointed out recent visits of a large number of US officials to Algeria. American businessmen held fruitful meetings with Algerian officials.