Sahel: Algeria in favour of eradication of terrorism, organized crime by all means, including use of force

"There is a tendency these days to present the Algerian position schematically by hiding important elements of our approach and placing  it consistently in opposition to the position of other partners in the region," noted the spokesman in a statement to APS.
 
"Contrary to what is said, said Mr. Belani, Algeria is not only for the political  solution and we have always said that it is legitimate to use all means, including force, to eradicate terrorist groups and their affiliates of transnational organized crime in the Sahel. "
 
"You can imagine what Algeria has suffered in the flesh from these two scourges it does not show the slightest ounce of complacency or indifference in the matter," he noted.
 
"We believe, however, he added that the use of force must be conducted with the necessary discernment to avoid confusion and confusion between the peoples of northern Mali who have legitimate claims and terrorist groups and drug traffickers who should be the target because they are the source of threats to the region, "he said.
 
In the wake of Algeria's efforts for a solution to Mali, Abdelkader Messahel, Minister Delegate for Maghreb and African Affairs, accompanied by a delegation including senior officials of the Ministry of National Defence, visited respectively Mauritania, Mali and Niger  this week.
 
This tour is part of regular consultations between the countries in the field on the situation in the Sahel, enabled the delegation to discuss with its partners, particularly the crisis in Mali and the prospects for its resolution in respect of the territorial integrity and interests of the Malian people and the peoples of the region.
 
These consultations should be harnessed to strengthen cooperation between the countries of the field, through existing mechanisms (political committee, committee of Joint Staff-CRIC-and unit-UFL-fusion bonding) in the fight against terrorism and transnational organized crime.
 
Previously, Mr. Messahel went to Paris where he met with French Foreign Minister, Laurent Fabius, and met successively Jean Félix Paganon, Special Representative of France for the Sahel and Helen Legalle, responsible from Africa to the cell diplomatic Elysée, on the situation in the Sahel, especially Mali.
 
Algerian and French parties had a "broad convergence of views" on the importance of preserving the territorial integrity and national unity of Mali, as well as the definition of the threat posed by terrorism and crime transnational organized.
 
Algeria has always called for certain requirements when looking at the crisis in Mali  namely to assist and support the Malians as leading players in the search for solutions to their problems.
 
The other requirement, as defended by Algeria, is a negotiated political solution must be found, as soon as possible to avoid deadlock situations, and to involve stakeholders who stand unequivocally against terrorism and transnational organized crime and resist any breach of the territorial integrity of Mali, he said.