Meeting with HE Ahmed Attaf, Ambassador of Algeria,
Wednesday 10th December 2003, 8.00pm, Grimond Room,
Portcullis House, House of Commons
The Ambassador was introduced by the Chairman, Sir Ron Halstead, who gave a brief summary of his career. The Ambassador is a career diplomat whose previous postings include Ambassador of Algeria to Yugoslavia and India. He has also held Cabinet posts in Algeria.
Algerian foreign policy faces a number of dilemmas being an African country with Muslim, Arab and Mediterranean influences – there have been new threats to national security and there have been substantive changes in the areas around Algeria. A system of good neighbourhood has been introduced through national policy implementation. There is a single party system with a centrally planned economy and political pluralism. Free market rules operate and this has had a decisive impact on the way foreign policy is conducted. Some issues are underestimated, ie human rights, environment, HIV aids, corruption – all these are not just domestic – they are international issues.
Objectives of Algeria's foreign policy:
1. contribution to maintenance of peace and international security
2. fulfilment of responsibilities in facing threats to international security
3. conflict resolution
4. regional integration
5. special partnership and relationship with neighbours
1. System of Collective Security
This issue emerged as a consequence of World War II. There has been a calling to collective gathering on how best to promote a new system of international security. In the UN Algeria chairs a committee on this issue and this serves as recognition of the important role Algeria has in this area. The UN system needs rehabilitation and more reforms: a) Security Council – must be more transparent with more participation in decision-making process b) General Assembly – must also play a vital role in ensuring a representative of every country participates c) International Development as a strategic and security threat– UN needs to be properly equipped to deal with issues pertaining to national development ie armed forces and peace-keeping operations. Initially there was no relation with NATO but now there is structured dialogue and this has proved very fruitful. Good conflict resolution on issues of proliferation of armaments and other general matters.
2. International Terrorism
Algerians were one of the first to suffer from international terrorism and went through a difficult situation in the early 1990s. In 1989 a decision was taken to allow political parties based on religion (this was in violation of the Constitution) and there ended up being an Islamic Party its central aim being to form a theocratic state in Algeria.
3. Global Community
International agreement with the Arab League has been achieved and there is now co-operation in fighting terrorism.
Objectives: regional integration, dialogue with Europe, settlement of issue of Western Sahara and self-colonisation, development of new organisation called African Union.
Strategies for the Future
Terrorism has acquired a new dimension and attention will be focussed on dealing with this. Somalia – measures being taken in the face of threats. Bilateral relations and security are important foreign policy issues.
Algeria to supply natural gas to the UK – this is having a trickle down effect in other areas ie links with British Airways are expanding.
Concluding remark: "You cannot find a person in Algeria who has not been affected by violence".
Dennis Waters thanked the Ambassador.