US refuses to sell armed remotely piloted aircrafts to Algeria, says ambassador

US ambassador to Algiers Henry S. Ensher said his country has no fears of the phase after Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s election as Algeria’s President. Washington is ready to work with any president legitimately elected by the Algerian people. “I noticed President’s popularity during the electoral campaign,” he told TSA newswebsite.

The ambassador said it was not possible to postpone the visit of the US Secretary of State John Kerry as it was scheduled in his agenda. He discussed many important issues with Algerian officials.

Ensher added that the US Secretary of Energy will visit Algiers soon to attend its International Fair. President Obama invited Algeria to attend the US-African Summit. “That explains the quality of relations between the two countries and periodical and continuous visits exchange. Washington supports reforms in Algeria.”

Speaking about human rights reality in Algeria, the US ambassador said his country’s vision is expressed in its state annual report. He believes that Algerians are living in peace and security compared to previous years.

He also said changes made by President Bouteflika on the intelligence department did not affect bilateral cooperation in countering terrorism as “Washington deals with the State’s institutions and not people.”

He added that his country supports Algeria’s efforts to preserve peace in the region and considers it a leading regional nation. The US hails Algerian aid to neighboring countries.

Speaking about military field, he said his country refuses to sell armed remotely piloted aircrafts to Algeria “in conformity to its belief which prohibits transferring such a kind of arms to other countries.” Yet, he pointed out a possibility of selling unarmed devices remotely piloted following talks between both governments.

Ensher said the US wants to develop security cooperation with Algeria and reach cooperation about military equipment transfer. “This operation is very complex due to rules on military equipment transfer to the US’ allies.”

He added that his country continues its consultations with the Algerian government about that issue, saying the US respects the non-interference principle and Algeria’s sovereignty.