A German proposal for urgent action by the European Union to help tackle the violence in Algeria has won growing support from Europe and the United States. The proposal was first made on Sunday by the German foreign minister, Klaus Kinkel, who called for dialogue with Algiers and suggested a diplomatic delegation should visit the country.

France, Italy and Portugal have welcomed the plan and the US has given its qualified support. A US State Department official told the BBC that they are awaiting more details of the German proposal before giving it full backing. However, she said that the American government supported the principle of an international investigation into the situation in Algeria and would listen carefully to what the Germans had to say.

However, as our Europe correspondent David Eades reports from Brussels, there is no sign that such a delegation is about to be sent, or that it would be welcome:

The latest reported massacre in Algeria last week has once again left Western countries wondering what, if anything, they can do to help bring such violence to an end. Klaus Kinkel's proposal to pursue the issue through the European Union has now won firm support from Algeria's former colonial power, France, which reminded the Algerian government of the people's right to protection.

The French foreign ministry also described as a good idea Mr Kinkel's suggestion that a high level team might travel to Algeria for talks. The Italian and Portuguese governments have expressed similar views.

But support by individual countries does not necessarily mean such a step will be taken quickly. An official for the EU presidency, currently held by Britain, said the European Union would explore ways of helping the victims with non-governmental organisations and the Algerian government, but added that a full discussion would only take place when the EU foreign ministers next meet, near the end of the month.

There is also little reason to believe Algeria will welcome the offer of a high level visit. Two months ago, the EU issued a statement of solidarity for the people of Algeria and the offer of help for the government. That was received with a stern riposte that the violence in Algeria was an internal issue, not a matter to be shared with the international community.
 

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