EP - The President of Algeria addresses the European Parliament

Address by Mr Bouteflika, President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria
Debate : 03.06.2003


After Parliament's President Pat COX sent his condolences to the victims of the recent earthquakes in Algeria and a minute's silence was held by MEPs, President BOUTEFLIKA expressed his gratitude to Parliament and indeed European countries for their solidarity and help at this time of need. President Bouteflika then drew attention to the significance of the new EU/Algeria Association Agreement signed in Valencia on 22 April 2002, which he saw as bringing in a new era to European relations with his country based on sustainable development, solidarity and closer co-operation. It would, he said, firmly cement Algeria's economic links with the EU and, indeed, offer the opportunity for deepening political dialogue. At the same time, he felt it could also contribute to a global partnership and help establish Euro/Mediterranean relations on a firm footing and bring an end to instability in the region.

The development of the gas pipeline through Italy and Spain was another sign of Algeria's long-term commitment to Europe. Strengthening ties between both sides was also important in establishing a balance, in the sense that he trusted the EU's new development to the East would not prove a distraction from the South. He pointed out, however, the difficulties faced in Algeria and the Mediterranean region as a whole in moving towards an economy based on free trade. This had enormous implications for the traditional economic and social system in the country and he looked forward to a smooth transition to a market economy. He drew attention to the $7bn programme designed to bring this about over a four-year period, but did not underestimate the size of the task ahead. The EU's contribution would be vital in terms of new sources of investment. Unfortunately, he added, so far EU budgetary aid to Algeria had not brought about expected improvements. Indeed, he added, in many ways the Algerian people, faced with natural disasters and enduring violence brought about by terrorism, felt neglected by the international community. It was only, he said, a change of attitude following the events of 9/11 in the United States that had resulted in the recognition of the difficulties faced by Algeria, especially in dealing with terrorism. It was vital to tackle the root causes of such mindless acts, if a long lasting peace and stability were to be achieved. In this sense he underlined the need to tackle poverty. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism that, after 12 years of uncertainty, the situation was now improving and prospects for the country were no longer bleak. There did seem to be a new political will, although he recognized the need to continue to build a political and social consensus.

In this sense, he underlined the importance of respect for human rights and updating the Penal Code. A setting up a new national consultative committee was a clear sign of the government's commitment here, he said, and he looked forward to support from the EU with help to strengthen democracy. He then paid tribute to the courage of the Algerian people in withstanding troubled circumstances and indeed in some cases bitter violence. Once again he put on record his appreciation to the international community for all the help received after the recent earthquakes.

Turning to wider international relations, he looked forward to a new mood in Africa based on strengthened co-operation through NEPAD and emphasized the important role, he felt, Algeria could play here. He also looked to support from international leaders meeting at the G8 Summit in Evian. The continent of Africa, he detected, was now in a position to move forward after previous failures and mistakes. He looked forward to Africa benefiting from a new deal on globalization and policies based on sustainable development. It was important not to allow extremists to exploit difficulties and he felt African countries were now prepared to move forward on the basis of conflict settlement. He drew attention to the role of the Maghreb North African countries working together and reaffirmed Algeria's commitment to seeking a solution to the problem of the Western Sahara based on international law and support for the UN plan. He underlined his commitment to a referendum for self-determination.

Looking at other problems in the Middle East, he expressed his hope that Israel's intransigence in opposing a peace settlement based on the new initiative, respect for the legal claims of Palestinians and the rights of all people to live in peace in the region could be overcome. In this sense, he felt it was important that Israel should withdraw from territory occupied in Syria and the Lebanon. He also underlined the importance of a role for the international community and the United Nations in establishing political stability in Iraq and the restoration of national sovereignty.

Concluding, he looked forward to a more prosperous future for the Algerian people based on reconciliation in a more inter-dependent world, with the international community playing a key role.

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