Skirmishes in Ghardaia must not be overstated, says minister

Algerian interior minister Dahou Ould Kablia Thursday said riots which took place in the province of Ghardaia (south of Algeria) on Monday and Tuesday are a “local affair” and must not be overstated.

“They were no more than ordinary skirmishes which can happen,” Ould Kablia told journalists.

Asked about employment in the south, he said priority must be given to the south residents in terms of security-related jobs.

“Jobs must be created every year to employ new policemen who pass examinations,” he added.

He also said Algeria coordinates with Tunisia to ensure the safety of common borders.

“There is coordination in terms of information exchange but Algeria does not interfere in Tunisia’s issues.”

He denied allegations that terrorists entered Tunisia across Algeria. “Terrorists entered across Mali and this what Tunisia also said. “Algerian authorities stepped up security measures on borders and are keeping watch on the area. Algeria’s mission is to protect its borders.”

Speaking about associations in Algeria, the minister said their number reached 96,144. Of them, 5,134 were created in 2012 and 15,790 are religious associations.

A law text related to religious associations is expected to be presented to the government. It includes mosques commission, Quran schools commission, Islamic religion rituals association and religious association of non Muslims.