Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
The South African Government expresses concern about the situation in Algeria and urges Algerians to support initiatives to bring the crisis to an end.
The South African Government views with concern the continuing terrorist actions in Algeria. It condemns in the strongest terms the acts of senseless violence and especially the horrible murders of defenceless people, including women and children. The South African Government calls on the Government and the people Algeria to rally together to identify and isolate those involved in such dastardly deeds, so that the killings can be brought to an end, and the perpetrators brought to judgement.
The dual tasks of national reconciliation and the expansion of the economy which will ensure opportunities to all in the country, regardless of origin or belief, are delayed as a result of the ongoing terrorism.
The Algerian Government has clearly demonstrated its commitment to peace and reconciliation. Elections on two tiers of government were held during 1997, in which an encouraging number of Algerians participated. A two-year liberalisation plan was announced and the constitution was amended to accommodate the need for transparent democratic governance.
The South African Government is ready to support initiatives taken by the Algerian Government to help ensure that the current, systematic genocide of algerian people, is brought to an end.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 28 JANUARY 1998