Washington renews support for Algeria in counter-terrorism struggle

The US Ambassador to Algiers, His Excellency Henry S. Ensher, has reaffirmed the United States’ full support for Algeria in the unflagging struggle against the scourge of terrorism.

Taking the floor on Tuesday at the opening of the proceedings of a regional workshop in Algiers, Mr Henry S. Ensher reiterated Washington’s preoccupation and condemnation of the kidnapping of the Algerian diplomats in Gao in northern Mali, while reaffirming his country’s backing for the Algerian government in its constant efforts to ensure their return home in all security.

The US Ambassador also said that his country shared the Algerian authorities’ firm stance barring any ransom payment to terrorist groups in exchange for hostages’ release saying that the main objective was to round up the kidnappers and to bring them to justice to answer for their misdeeds.

It should be noted that out of the seven abducted Algerian diplomats, three were released in July 2012, while the four others still held captive, are said to be still alive according to various statements made by the Algerian government.