Time of democracy in Algeria

The article Time of troubles in Algeria (Dec. 5, 1996), originally published in the New York Times, contains an obsolete analysis of the situation prevailing in Algeria and does not seem to reflect a full understanding of the new realities and new prospects the recent referendum opens for Algeria.

The article focuses deliberately on some amendments to the constitution and neglects to state that all the amendments are the result of the conclusion of a committee established following the multilateral session of dialog initiated by the President of the Republic, Mr. Liamine Zeroual, with all the political parties and composed of the representatives of the latter. It fails also to mention the most important amendments introduced to the constitution such as:

* The reference to the three fundamental components of the Algerian identity (Islam, Arabic, Amazigh) in order to avoid that these three aspects be used for political purposes.

* The limitation of the presidential term to two mandates, in order to establish the principle of "alternation of power", which constitutes a fundamental basis of any real democracy.

* The creation of a National Council (Senate) in the parliament, which exists in all democratic systems.

* The creation of a High Court of Justice, to which the president and the government will be accountable.

* The consolidation of the prerogatives of the Islamic Council in order to achieve its unification as the unique organ of fetwa (guidance).

All these amendments should, in the view of any objective and impartial observer, be seen as measures decisively contributing to consolidating democracy in Algeria and establishing a modern state.

For a strange reason, the article also fails to mention the first pluralistic and democratic presidential election organized in the history of the country under international supervision and with the participation of observers from the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity, the Arab League and the international press.

Instead, the article seems to focus on the events of 1992, thus ignoring the new developments which occurred ever since in the country.

It goes further and qualifies the dissolved Islamic Salvation Front as a "coalition of nonviolent Islamic groups" and pretends that terror and torture are widespread in Algeria. Such assertions seem to forget the abject crimes committed by the terrorist groups against the innocent civilian population, which the leaders of the dissolved party have always refused to condemn.

The mission of the security forces in Algeria, conducted in strict conformity with the law, is to guarantee the safety of our patrimony and to protect the citizens and landed property.

Finally, the article neglects to state that, since his election, President Liamine Zeroual has devoted his efforts to implementing a global strategy for the establishment of a genuine democratic process. In this regard, his efforts have been focussed on the promotion of dialogue and consultation with all political forces, in order to find the appropriate solution to the difficulties the country has been confronted with.

As many observers have noticed, Algeria is now on the right path. In the near future, it will again be a very peaceful and prosperous country based on democratic values and principles.

SOUFIANE MIMOUNI

The Ambassador (designate)

of Algeria

Jakarta