Algeria warns media

President's ties with France prompted criticism

The Algerian Government has hit back against what it calls a well-orchestrated media campaign conspiring to re-open the wounds of the civil war.

Culture and Communications Minister Mahieddine Amimour spoke at length on the matter on Algerian TV's Spotlight programme.

His remarks were given wide prominence as lead items in the Algerian domestic news bulletins and re-broadcast at length the following day.

Organised campaign

"Enemies are pouring oil over the fire," Mr Amimour said, pointing to growing media hostility in France over human rights issues in Algeria, triggered by an ex-Algerian army officer's published story.

The concern has been cautiously noted in the Algerian press, wary of inflaming the authorities' anger.

They want to take us back to square one and re-open wounds which have not yet healed

Culture minister Mahieddine Amimour

"Regrettably, there are some of our sons who imagine that the whole affair is a boy scout's game which they enjoy without realizing that playing with fire is a dangerous matter and that large fires begin from sparks," the minister said.

French connection

Earlier this month, on the eve of a visit by Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine, a group of respected French and Algerian intellectuals urged France to review its policy towards Algeria.

Culture minister sees media conspiracy

They cited ex-army officer Habib Souaidia, whose book the Dirty War published in France alleges the army's involvement in torture and killings.

Mr Souaidia appeared extensively on French TV to repeat his testimony, at the time of Mr Vedrine's visit.

The campaign was picked up and widely covered by the French press and television and has now found its way into some Algerian newspapers.

Press warning

But in his broadcast statement, Mr Amimour warned: "False heroes are being created, and organised and well-orchestrated campaigns are being launched to target in a malicious way all the noble things in this homeland."

The enemies are pouring oil over the fire

Culture minister

"It is clear that they want to take us back to square one and to re-open the wounds which have not yet healed."

"Those who conspire against us want to create discord between the country's leadership and the political parties, between the parties themselves and between the political class and civil society."

Picking up on the coverage the issue is receiving in some sections of the domestic Algerian media, he warned: "Freedom of speech also requires the press to respect responsibility for the use of words and the state's higher interests."

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