Algerian Foreign Minister Visits U.S.

Last week, Algerian Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci met with U.S. officials in Washington for bilateral talks. He spoke with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on economic ties, military co-operation and political issues regarding the upcoming parliament elections in May 2012. During remarks held at the State Department, Clinton stated that, “the United States is committed to working with Algeria to support an open, free, democratic nation with a thriving civil society and institutions that give the Algerian people the future they so deserve.”  The Secretary of State added that the U.S. was “very supportive of the Algerian government’s invitation to international organizations to monitor the elections.” Clinton declared that, “Algeria has undertaken very significant reforms.” However, she encouraged Algerian’s government to open up the broadcast media. Reuters announced today that Clinton may travel to Algeria in the next few weeks. The State Department did not confirm yet.

Meanwhile a an Algerian human rights activist, Mourad Dhina, was arrested on Monday in the Paris-Orly Airport by French police at the request of the Algerian authorities. Dhina is critical about the Algerian government and advocates for better governance. He founded Rachad, an opposition political movement. Dhina is waiting for the French attorney general to decide on his official request against his extradition from Algeria.  Dhina will be held in France until the details of his case are examined. Web news Alkarama  sent appeals to the U.N. human rights special procedures condemning the arbitrary nature of Mourad Dhina’s arrest and requested his immediate release.