Spokesperson for UK government Rosemary Davis: Algeria handled Tiguentourine attack firmly

The UK is attached to its investment projects in Algeria and set on extending them to sectors out of hydrocarbons. Algeria’s reaction to the In Amenas attack contributed to rapprochement between the two countries, said Middle East and North Africa spokesperson for the UK government Rosemary Davis.

“We knew Algeria would treat Tiguentourine attack firmly”

The spokeswoman for the UK told Echorouk circumstances following the terrorist attack on a gas field in In Amenas (south of Algeria) were very difficult and dangerous. “The UK understands the situation and will continue its investments in Algeria.”

“We knew that the Algerian government would handle the situation firmly and strongly. We acknowledge good cooperation between London and Algiers after it was over. Sending the British victims’ bodies to the UK is the best proof on that,” she said.

Asked about the UK’s reaction to the attack, Davis said Prime Minister David Cameron’s visit to Algeria on January 30-1^st clearly showed that the UK understood the situation and was attached to support and promote its relations with Algeria.

She added that strategic security partnership will be considered in scheduled meetings and the UK is ready to provide Algeria with necessary weapons and training to fight terrorism.

“When the attack was carried out, there were fears. Yet, London confirmed that British companies would continue operating in Algeria as it is a very important economic opportunity.”

The UK wants the Algerian government to give guarantees through security measures to protect British workers.

“UK government has nothing to do with Khalifa’s extradition to Algeria”

Davis said the UK government is not involved in the delay of accused Abdelmoumene Khalifa’s extradition to the Algerian justice. “My country is aware about the Khalifa case’s importance and sensitivity for Algeria.”

“The British justice is totally independent from the government. As the case is still handled by the UK justice, we believe that it is inappropriate to make comments to media about it. We acknowledge though the importance and sensitivity of the case for the Algerian government,” she added.

Speaking about judicial cooperation agreements, the British official said justice is the only authority who decides in extradition-related issues.

UK is ready to provide Algeria with weapons

Davis said the UK government has no reservation about selling weapons to Algeria. “This issue and other security aspects will be discussed in the proceedings of the Algerian-British joint commission next week in London.”

She also said the UK government wants to present its counterterrorism experience to its Algerian counterpart. “Security cooperation will continue because terror danger is a challenge for Algiers and London.”

Asked about the UK’s reservations about sophisticated weapons sale, Davis said her country will not hesitate to sell weapons to Algeria as part of the fight against terrorism.

She also said the UK agrees with Algeria in criminalizing ransom payment to terrorist groups. “We agree with the Algerian government’s policy to refuse paying ransom. We are working with you on implementing this policy at the international level.”

She believes that paying ransom to terrorists is a big mistake as terror groups would use that money against other countries.

Speaking about the situation in the region, Davis said the UK is aware about fears of what is happening in Libya and is working with its government to face weapons spread-related problems.

She said the UK government believes that the French military operation in Northern Mali was necessary but not sufficient to eliminate armed groups.  “There is a need for a political and development process. We politically support the military campaign in Mali. The operation was necessary because terror threats were big. Yet, there must be a political process. We believe that a military solution is not sufficient.”

London wants to enter medicines and banks sector

Davis said British companies should continue operating in Algeria although they have fears following January’s In Amenas attack.

“Those companies should understand that there are opportunities to work in Algeria.”

Speaking about Algeria’s 51/49 investment rule, the spokesperson for the UK said investment rules are an Algerian affair. “We understand this kind of issues and British companies should deal with those conditions.”

She added that the UK wants to reinforce its presence in pharmaceutical, banking and education sectors.