US is ready to deal with any government chosen by Algerians, says ambassador

The United States is ready to deal with a government chosen by the Algerian people and constitutional institutions, US ambassador to Algeria Henry S. Ensher said.

Asked about Washington’s position toward Algeria’s presidential elections due to be held in 2014, Ensher said the US wishes speedy recovery for Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and the US administration works with different governments chosen by people and constitutional institutions.

Speaking about Algerian-US judicial cooperation in Algerian former energy minister Chakib Khelil’s case, he said it is inappropriate to make comments about ongoing judicial procedures. “That does not mean there are measures taken concerning him.”

Asked about terrorists Mokhtar Belmokhtar and Yahia Anu Hamam, the ambassador told Echorouk the US was based on recent reports which say Belmokhtar is still alive. “The US has no official information to confirm or infirm Belmokhtar’s death,” he said in a news conference.

He added that security measures taken by Algeria to ensure the safety of Americans and foreign nationals who chose to stay in the country following a terrorist attack on a gas complex in Tiguentourine (south of Algiers) are important.

He thanked Algerian authorities for measures in favor of the US embassy and called on Algerian private and public companies to fund scholarships for Algerian students granted by the US government.

He announced that the American School will be opened in the fasting month of Ramadan.

Around 1,500 students benefited from many scholarships as 160 of them were granted in 2011.

The ambassador also said the second session of the Algerian-US strategic dialogue will be held in summer.

Speaking about the creation of an American university in Algeria, he said it depends on the will of Algerian authorities and concerned institutions.