23 December 2003
Mr. President, after your election to the presidency in 1999, you declared your determination to work on three fronts: reestablishment of security and stability; economic recovery; and Algeria’s rehabilitation on the international scene. Have you succeeded in reaching these objectives?
It is too early to draw up a list of the achievements made since 1999. But we can say that so far most of these objectives have been attained. Civil reconciliation is a fact that no one can deny; economic development has returned and Algeria has recovered its place on the international scene.
It’s a matter of preserving our assets and opening new horizons through national reconciliation, consolidating reforms and developing partnerships with foreign states.
What objectives have you been unable to attain during your mandate, which expires next April?
The country’s development is characterized by continuity and emanates from a process in which further achievements are expected. This is why we’re devoting our efforts to meeting the growing needs of the people, which we note on all levels.
The organizations of civil society and the popular support committees in the various regions of Algeria have been asking you to stand as a candidate for a second term so that you can proceed with your reconstruction process. Will you respond to this request by announcing your candidacy?
I will inform the Algerian people of my decision in due time.
The national reconciliation project
You recently announced your project in favor of a national reconciliation that reflects the success of your policy aimed at achieving civil concord. On what is this project based?
National reconciliation means the reconciliation of Algeria with itself, its history, culture, historical character and everything that forms the strength of the nation and its serenity through the centuries.
This is not a political slogan that can be contested or be given hasty interpretations. National reconciliation is the reconciliation of society with the state as well. It means tolerance and the acceptance of others. Without it, there are no remedies to cure the pain that has wracked the country for so long.
Since you took office, terrorism has certainly declined. Do you expect the terrorist groups to disappear in the foreseeable future? Is there any intention of amnestying persons who show contrition?
The end of terrorism is imminent if the social, political and economic causes that led to it are eliminated once and for all. This is in fact one of the objectives of national reconciliation.
During your mandate, Algeria witnessed floods in Bab el-Oued, in the heart of the capital, while an earthquake devastated another region of the country as well as Algiers. You estimated the cost of these disasters at 15 billion dollars, in addition to the loss of around 20 billions caused by the terrorism. Have you succeeded in overcoming the consequences of these events?
There were attempts to arrange all the problems resulting from these natural disasters. This was made possible thanks to the mobilization of the possibilities of the state in an unprecedented way; and thanks to the donations of the Algerian people and the international solidarity. However there still remains a lot to do in order to deal with the consequences of these tragedies. We are working on this.
The government promised to ensure accommodations for all the disaster victims before the onset of the winter rains. How have you dealt with the problems which the victims of the disasters are facing?
Most of the families affected have been relocated and those who have not will soon be. The work teams are doing their work with speed and problems are being dealt with by an organization well-equipped for the task. I personally am overseeing the operation, and the situation is improving, in line with the program we have laid down.
You recently toured a number of provinces and indicated a supplementary budget of up to one hundred billion dinars. Do these amounts reflect the financial situation or are they part of your plan of national development?
There is a close link between the two. These figures must be seen in relation to program of work whose objectives have been defined in the framework of a budget drawn up in accordance with the rules of the Algerian Constitution.
Experts consider your national project for economic growth an important initiative. What have the results of the project been on the level of local development, on the overall economy and on society?
The program for economic growth is now being implemented. When it is completed, an evaluation will be carried out by the relevant organizations. A partial evaluation of the results enables us to say that the program is beginning to bear fruit through certain achievements on the ground.
Satisfied with growth of the economy
What is the situation of the Algerian economy? Can we speak of a tangible success of the battle against poverty and unemployment?
The situation is one that gives us complete satisfaction. The country’s hard currency reserves now amount to 30 billion dollars, which lessens the burden of the public debt. Foreign investors have recovered their confidence in the country. These and many other indicators show that Algerians and foreigners have regained confidence in the future.
But there are a number of problems to address, among others those of poverty and unemployment, and we’re moving to deal with these. At the same time, we’re trying to deal with the disadvantaged stratum of the population with the cooperation of national collectivities. The state is tackling these issues and we’re determined to find appropriate solutions.
Mr. President, you’ve recently visited Arab and foreign countries. Have these been useful in attracting foreign investment?
As I’ve already said, foreign investors have regained confidence in Algeria and are starting to return. We expect to see an increasing number of them in the next few months and years.
Are you satisfied with the results of local and foreign investments?
We’re not entirely satisfied when it’s a matter of developing the economy by means of investment. This process has a special dynamism. As soon as it takes off, it will have to be enlarged, in accordance with well-known economic rules.
Algeria transformed into an immense building site
Under your leadership, Algeria has been transformed into an immense building site in every sphere of life. Will this fact be translated into economic and social stability?
The face of the country has changed a great deal since 1999. Algeria is slowly but surely recovering its socio-economic stability, a fact recognized by neutral observers affiliated with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
The world has taken belated notice of your calls for a struggle against terrorism after the fearsome attacks on New York and Washington. Has the international community really supported your action against this plague?
The international help given to Algeria has been insignificant in comparison with the dimension of the disaster suffered by the Algerian people and to the needs the disaster has created. But the world is beginning to realize the perils of this scourge, paying more attention to the harsh experience our people have had to endure. We hope this tardy awakening will find expression in a movement of solidarity having the depth we would hope for.
Algeria to join the WTO
You’ve succeeded in putting a market economy in place and started a process of privatization and concluded a partnership accord with the European Union. Do you expect to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) and obtain international support for your efforts in the economic sphere?
Algeria has begun to take the measures necessary in preparation for joining the WTO. A new round of talks recently began in Geneva on this point.
Over the last three years, Mr. President, you have drawn up a program of structural and comprehensive reform of the state, notably in the educational, judicial and family domains. What have the results been?
We’re working hard on carrying this project through, but it’s too early to assess the results. A reform of this magnitude can’t be completed in a short time.
Freedom cannot be irresponsible
From time to time the independent press raises the issue of media freedom in Algeria. What is your view of this subject? To what extent does Algeria enjoy freedom of expression?
Freedom of the press is no empty expression in Algeria. Everyone can see this for himself. But this freedom, which has been obtained in a short space of time, cannot be irresponsible in a society whose internal cohesion has to be strengthened. I hope that journalists will respect this point of view. I also hope that the press, in its ensemble, will play the ‘pedagogical’ role it should play in the education of our people and the transposition of our society to modernity and globalization.
Arab and foreign media have published reports of a supposed political crisis in Algeria, on the basis of statements made by certain personalities and published in the Algerian media. What are the facts on this matter?
There are indeed certain ‘eddies’ and ‘currents’ on the Algerian political scene as the presidential election approaches. This fact proves two things: first, that the country has overcome its security crisis and its economic difficulties; and second, that we in Algeria are not lagging behind in the matter of democratization. There are abuses arising from this state of things, but this is how things are in any country in the run-up to elections.
Let the public interest prevail
The elections to choose half the members of the Council of the Nation did not take in the provinces of Bijaya and Tizi-Ouzou, where however a crisis exists despite your call for a dialogue. Do you expect an end to this crisis?
This is my great hope. No crisis is insoluble when the parties in contention take the public interest into consideration and lay aside their personal interests. I’m fully confident that the Algerians can overcome their differences.
The matter of the presidential election has been raised prematurely and the crisis within the ruling National Liberation Front has become a pressure card coupled with accusations directed against the presidency. What is your position on this question?
As I have said, the coming presidential election will affect political life in Algeria and the parties are contributing to an exacerbation of passions.
As far as I am concerned, I will continue my mission and carry out the obligations of my office to the end. At this moment I have other priorities, including that of completing the action of the program begun in 1999 by the Algerians.
You have, Mr. President, promised a free and fair presidential election. What guarantees will you be taking to ensure that it takes place in the best conditions?
We want the election to enable the Algerians to express their will in complete freedom and to exercise their duty as citizens. The principal measures to guarantee this freedom and the probity of the voting process must figure in the electoral code now being considered in Parliament.
Observers are unanimously of the view that you, Mr. President, have succeeded in bringing Algeria out of the dark tunnel of the crisis and out of its internal and international isolation. On what basis have you worked out your strategy to rehabilitate Algerian diplomacy, which has recovered its international role?
The long years of terrorism have required Algeria to focus mainly on settling its domestic problems. It was necessary, first of all, to make the facts of the domestic situation known in order, subsequently, to take part in activity on the international level. This has given Algeria the position it enjoys in the world.
You are continuing your efforts to build the Union of the Arab Maghreb. What has been achieved in this respect? Will the seventh summit of the Union’s member-states take place in Algiers after being postponed several times?
The construction of the Arab Maghreb Union requires time. Progress has been made since the first summit, held in 1990 and several issues wound up, but there is still much to do.
The principal objective of the coming summit consists in giving a new dynamism to the edifice of the Union, clearing away the obstacles preventing its development. It is natural that such obstacles should emerge from time to time.
Mr. President, after your election to the presidency in 1999, you declared your determination to work on three fronts: reestablishment of security and stability; economic recovery; and Algeria’s rehabilitation on the international scene. Have you succeeded in reaching these objectives?
It is too early to draw up a list of the achievements made since 1999. But we can say that so far most of these objectives have been attained. Civil reconciliation is a fact that no one can deny; economic development has returned and Algeria has recovered its place on the international scene.
It’s a matter of preserving our assets and opening new horizons through national reconciliation, consolidating reforms and developing partnerships with foreign states.
What objectives have you been unable to attain during your mandate, which expires next April?
The country’s development is characterized by continuity and emanates from a process in which further achievements are expected. This is why we’re devoting our efforts to meeting the growing needs of the people, which we note on all levels.
The organizations of civil society and the popular support committees in the various regions of Algeria have been asking you to stand as a candidate for a second term so that you can proceed with your reconstruction process. Will you respond to this request by announcing your candidacy?
I will inform the Algerian people of my decision in due time.
The national reconciliation project
You recently announced your project in favor of a national reconciliation that reflects the success of your policy aimed at achieving civil concord. On what is this project based?
National reconciliation means the reconciliation of Algeria with itself, its history, culture, historical character and everything that forms the strength of the nation and its serenity through the centuries.
This is not a political slogan that can be contested or be given hasty interpretations. National reconciliation is the reconciliation of society with the state as well. It means tolerance and the acceptance of others. Without it, there are no remedies to cure the pain that has wracked the country for so long.
Since you took office, terrorism has certainly declined. Do you expect the terrorist groups to disappear in the foreseeable future? Is there any intention of amnestying persons who show contrition?
The end of terrorism is imminent if the social, political and economic causes that led to it are eliminated once and for all. This is in fact one of the objectives of national reconciliation.
During your mandate, Algeria witnessed floods in Bab el-Oued, in the heart of the capital, while an earthquake devastated another region of the country as well as Algiers. You estimated the cost of these disasters at 15 billion dollars, in addition to the loss of around 20 billions caused by the terrorism. Have you succeeded in overcoming the consequences of these events?
There were attempts to arrange all the problems resulting from these natural disasters. This was made possible thanks to the mobilization of the possibilities of the state in an unprecedented way; and thanks to the donations of the Algerian people and the international solidarity. However there still remains a lot to do in order to deal with the consequences of these tragedies. We are working on this.
The government promised to ensure accommodations for all the disaster victims before the onset of the winter rains. How have you dealt with the problems which the victims of the disasters are facing?
Most of the families affected have been relocated and those who have not will soon be. The work teams are doing their work with speed and problems are being dealt with by an organization well-equipped for the task. I personally am overseeing the operation, and the situation is improving, in line with the program we have laid down.
You recently toured a number of provinces and indicated a supplementary budget of up to one hundred billion dinars. Do these amounts reflect the financial situation or are they part of your plan of national development?
There is a close link between the two. These figures must be seen in relation to program of work whose objectives have been defined in the framework of a budget drawn up in accordance with the rules of the Algerian Constitution.
Experts consider your national project for economic growth an important initiative. What have the results of the project been on the level of local development, on the overall economy and on society?
The program for economic growth is now being implemented. When it is completed, an evaluation will be carried out by the relevant organizations. A partial evaluation of the results enables us to say that the program is beginning to bear fruit through certain achievements on the ground.
Satisfied with growth of the economy
What is the situation of the Algerian economy? Can we speak of a tangible success of the battle against poverty and unemployment?
The situation is one that gives us complete satisfaction. The country’s hard currency reserves now amount to 30 billion dollars, which lessens the burden of the public debt. Foreign investors have recovered their confidence in the country. These and many other indicators show that Algerians and foreigners have regained confidence in the future.
But there are a number of problems to address, among others those of poverty and unemployment, and we’re moving to deal with these. At the same time, we’re trying to deal with the disadvantaged stratum of the population with the cooperation of national collectivities. The state is tackling these issues and we’re determined to find appropriate solutions.
Mr. President, you’ve recently visited Arab and foreign countries. Have these been useful in attracting foreign investment?
As I’ve already said, foreign investors have regained confidence in Algeria and are starting to return. We expect to see an increasing number of them in the next few months and years.
Are you satisfied with the results of local and foreign investments?
We’re not entirely satisfied when it’s a matter of developing the economy by means of investment. This process has a special dynamism. As soon as it takes off, it will have to be enlarged, in accordance with well-known economic rules.
Algeria transformed into an immense building site
Under your leadership, Algeria has been transformed into an immense building site in every sphere of life. Will this fact be translated into economic and social stability?
The face of the country has changed a great deal since 1999. Algeria is slowly but surely recovering its socio-economic stability, a fact recognized by neutral observers affiliated with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
The world has taken belated notice of your calls for a struggle against terrorism after the fearsome attacks on New York and Washington. Has the international community really supported your action against this plague?
The international help given to Algeria has been insignificant in comparison with the dimension of the disaster suffered by the Algerian people and to the needs the disaster has created. But the world is beginning to realize the perils of this scourge, paying more attention to the harsh experience our people have had to endure. We hope this tardy awakening will find expression in a movement of solidarity having the depth we would hope for.
Algeria to join the WTO
You’ve succeeded in putting a market economy in place and started a process of privatization and concluded a partnership accord with the European Union. Do you expect to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) and obtain international support for your efforts in the economic sphere?
Algeria has begun to take the measures necessary in preparation for joining the WTO. A new round of talks recently began in Geneva on this point.
Over the last three years, Mr. President, you have drawn up a program of structural and comprehensive reform of the state, notably in the educational, judicial and family domains. What have the results been?
We’re working hard on carrying this project through, but it’s too early to assess the results. A reform of this magnitude can’t be completed in a short time.
Freedom cannot be irresponsible
From time to time the independent press raises the issue of media freedom in Algeria. What is your view of this subject? To what extent does Algeria enjoy freedom of expression?
Freedom of the press is no empty expression in Algeria. Everyone can see this for himself. But this freedom, which has been obtained in a short space of time, cannot be irresponsible in a society whose internal cohesion has to be strengthened. I hope that journalists will respect this point of view. I also hope that the press, in its ensemble, will play the ‘pedagogical’ role it should play in the education of our people and the transposition of our society to modernity and globalization.
Arab and foreign media have published reports of a supposed political crisis in Algeria, on the basis of statements made by certain personalities and published in the Algerian media. What are the facts on this matter?
There are indeed certain ‘eddies’ and ‘currents’ on the Algerian political scene as the presidential election approaches. This fact proves two things: first, that the country has overcome its security crisis and its economic difficulties; and second, that we in Algeria are not lagging behind in the matter of democratization. There are abuses arising from this state of things, but this is how things are in any country in the run-up to elections.
Let the public interest prevail
The elections to choose half the members of the Council of the Nation did not take in the provinces of Bijaya and Tizi-Ouzou, where however a crisis exists despite your call for a dialogue. Do you expect an end to this crisis?
This is my great hope. No crisis is insoluble when the parties in contention take the public interest into consideration and lay aside their personal interests. I’m fully confident that the Algerians can overcome their differences.
The matter of the presidential election has been raised prematurely and the crisis within the ruling National Liberation Front has become a pressure card coupled with accusations directed against the presidency. What is your position on this question?
As I have said, the coming presidential election will affect political life in Algeria and the parties are contributing to an exacerbation of passions.
As far as I am concerned, I will continue my mission and carry out the obligations of my office to the end. At this moment I have other priorities, including that of completing the action of the program begun in 1999 by the Algerians.
You have, Mr. President, promised a free and fair presidential election. What guarantees will you be taking to ensure that it takes place in the best conditions?
We want the election to enable the Algerians to express their will in complete freedom and to exercise their duty as citizens. The principal measures to guarantee this freedom and the probity of the voting process must figure in the electoral code now being considered in Parliament.
Observers are unanimously of the view that you, Mr. President, have succeeded in bringing Algeria out of the dark tunnel of the crisis and out of its internal and international isolation. On what basis have you worked out your strategy to rehabilitate Algerian diplomacy, which has recovered its international role?
The long years of terrorism have required Algeria to focus mainly on settling its domestic problems. It was necessary, first of all, to make the facts of the domestic situation known in order, subsequently, to take part in activity on the international level. This has given Algeria the position it enjoys in the world.
You are continuing your efforts to build the Union of the Arab Maghreb. What has been achieved in this respect? Will the seventh summit of the Union’s member-states take place in Algiers after being postponed several times?
The construction of the Arab Maghreb Union requires time. Progress has been made since the first summit, held in 1990 and several issues wound up, but there is still much to do.
The principal objective of the coming summit consists in giving a new dynamism to the edifice of the Union, clearing away the obstacles preventing its development. It is natural that such obstacles should emerge from time to time.
© Monday Morning 2003
