Action by the European Union to tackle the violence in Algeria is being widely backed by EU members and the United States.

German Foreign Minister Klaus Klinkel

The proposal, put forward on Sunday by the German Foreign Minister, Klaus Kinkel, calls for dialogue with Algiers and suggests a diplomatic delegation should visit the country.

France, Italy and Portugal have welcomed the plan; the United States has also given its qualified support.

A US State Department official told the BBC that it was awaiting more details of the German proposal before giving its full backing.

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.

The plan comes in the wake of some of the worst violence in Algeria's six-year civil war. Some 412 people - many women and children - were systematcally slaughtered with knives and axes in an attack on Sunday in western Algeria.

But support by individual countries does not necessarily mean such a step will be taken quickly.

Survivor of Sunday's massacre

An official for the EU presidency, currently held by United Kingdom, said the European Union would explore ways of helping the victims with non-governmental organisations and the Algerian government.

But he added that a full discussion would only take place when the EU foreign ministers meet at the end of the month.

If the EU does take action, it could be warmly received by Algiers.

In a sudden policy reversal, the Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf said that Algeria called for international support.

"To combat terrorism, there is a strong need for international cooperation," he said.

Two months ago, the EU issued a statement of solidarity for the people of Algeria and an offer of help for the Government.

It was received with a stern reply that the violence in Algeria was an internal issue, not a matter to be shared with the international community.
 

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