Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
The 9th Ordinary Session of the Committee of Ambassadors and the 70th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) will take place in Algiers from 6-7 and 8-10 July 1999 respectively. The 35th Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), will take place in Algiers from 12-14 July 1999.
Media interested in covering the events in Algiers are requested to submit their applications for accreditation to the following numbers BEFORE 20 JUNE 1999.
Ministry of Communication and Culture, Algiers Tel: 09 213 2 292165 Fax: 09 213 2 292113/04 OR Press and Information Division of the OAU, PO Box 3243, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Tel: 09 251 1 517700 Fax: 09 251 1 517844/513036 Accreditation forms are available from the Media Directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs on 012-3510174. Each application must be accompanied by 2 photographs of the applicant.
A preliminary booking for 15 rooms at the El-Aurassi Hotel in Algiers has been made for the South African media contingent. The members of the press from all countries will be accommodated at the El-Aurassi Hotel. The accommodation costs will be for the account of the correspondents themselves (approximately USD 70 per night for bed and breakfast). The Algerian government will provide transport between the Airport, the El-Aurassi and other Hotels and the Conference Centre in the form of regular shuttle buses.
The Opening and Closing Sessions will be covered from the Press Centre at the Conference Centre at Club des Pins. Strict pool arrangements will apply for both the opening and closing ceremonies.
The contact person and - details of Algerian Television (ENTV) for the reservation of satellite feeds etc: Mrs Fatima Boulemtafes/Mr Djafar Barka Service de Coordination News International 30 Boulevard des Martyrs Algiers Tel: 09 213 2 602507 Fax: 09 213 2 230914 Currency The Algerian national currency is Dinar (DA). One rand is equivalent to about 10 dinar. It is advisable to bring either US Dollar or French Francs, which can be exchanged at the Airport or at hotels as needed. Only amounts larger than 500 dinar can be reconverted into foreign currency on departure.
Credit cards and travellers cheques have very limited acceptance.
Weather The weather during Summer (from May to October) is pleasant although humidity is relatively high at 60%. Temperatures vary from 25-30 degrees Celsius.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
PRETORIA
7 JUNE 1999