Wendy Sherman: “Decision to appoint the future Algerian President is not the prerogative of America

Determining the future President of Algeria is not a decisionthat should be taken by the United States of America, but the Algerian people, through transparent and democratic elections,Secretary of State for Political Affairs in the U.S. Department of State, Wendy Sherman

Secretary of State for Political Affairs, was asked whether the United States has set a scenario for the potential Algerian President in the upcoming elections of 2014, and whether she had discussed with Algerian officials about the “post-Bouteflika” period, and she responded that this matter does not concern America but the Algerian people.

Shairman said in a press conference held at the U.S. embassy in Algiers on Sunday, that Washington wishes a quick recovery of the President Bouteflika, and returning back to the exercise of his functions to complete his course, considering him a personality which made ​lot of efforts and is well known in America, thanks to his accomplishments.

U.S. diplomat joined her voice to the Ambassador Ensher, saying that Washington deals with governments and presidents who have been chosen by democracy, considering the current situation in Algeria is stable and on his way to greater stability, but praised the reforms that were initiated by Algeria are not enough and should be strengthened, referring in this context, to amending the constitution, which she wished it would be at the level of the Algerian people’s aspiration.

U.S. official met with the Prime Minister, Abdelmalek Sellal, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mourad Medelci, and government officials, and talked about the situation in Mali, Syria and the Iranian elections. Talks also dealt with the security and economic situation and how to cooperate with Washington in the field of restoring security and stability in the region which she described as difficult given the circumstances that are surrounding it. She considered the economic climate in Algeria as appropriate; “This was addressed with businessmen and representatives of the civil society.Algeria’s role in the Arab and African region is important. I call upon Algerian authorities to assist people seeking for “freedom” and countries that have been affected by the winds of the Arab Spring”.

In another context, Sherman considered the decision to determine the U.S. president’s visit to Algeria, as going beyond her prerogative; “President Obama has a packed agenda and wishes to visit all the countries, including Algeria.”