Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat – An Algerian official has implied that his country does not intend on participating in the current war in Mali against what he called “terrorist groups”. The official—who asked to remain anonymous—added that his country would not engage in the ongoing war against insurgents in northern Mali, which is being led by French troops, in light of recent developments, especially the Algerian hostage tragedy last week that claimed numerous lives.
Furthermore, Abdul Qadir bin Saleh, the speaker of the Algerian parliament and head of his country’s delegation to the third Arab Economic and Social Development Summit, which concluded yesterday in Riyadh, said: “In recent days my country has witnessed, in the region of In Amenas, a terrorist operation targeting economic facilities that killed a lot of innocent people, both Algerian nationals and foreigners”. He attributed responsibility to terrorist elements of several different nationalities.
Saleh stated, “This criminal operation has received widespread condemnation from the international community, in the strongest of terms. On this occasion, and from this platform, I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the friendly nations that rushed to express their strong condemnation of this criminal act, and their complete solidarity with Algeria in its efforts to combat terrorism that targets the security and stability of our countries and our people, who are keen for economic and social development”. Saleh stressed that Algeria, through relentlessly pursuing those responsible for this criminal operation, is reaffirming its intention and determination to combat terrorism in all its forms.