Algerian envoy urges Europe to deny asylum to "terrorists"

Text of report by Algerian radio on 14th January

In the context of an extensive campaign at home and abroad which strongly condemns the massacres perpetrated recently against unarmed civilians in many areas of the homeland, and supports Algeria's effort to confront terrorism, Algerian diplomacy abroad continues to raise awareness of the threat posed by the phenomenon and those who are behind it abroad.

The Algerian ambassador to Germany has condemned the right of asylum granted by European states to terrorists involved in the massacres taking place in Algeria.

In an interview with a German daily newspaper published today, Ambassador Mohamed Hannache said that the presence of members or sympathisers of the armed groups in Germany or Europe constituted a threat to Algeria and remained a source of concern to it.

The Algerian diplomat stressed that terrorists must not be allowed to use political asylum as a cover.

Ambassador Hannache said that what Algeria expected from Europe was clear political support for confronting terrorism, in line with its support for economic reforms.

Source: Algerian radio, Algiers, in Arabic 1200 gmt 14 Jan 98

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