Iran steps up efforts to involve Islamic countries in ending Algerian bloodshed

Iran has stepped up its efforts to involve the international community in bringing an end to the violence in Algeria.

The Iranian Foreign Minister, Kamal Kharrazi, has approached the secretary-generals of the Arab League, the Organisation of African Unity, and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference asking them to spare no effort to help bring an end to the killings.

Iranian radio quoted Mr Kharrazi as saying that the Algerian authorities had proved they could not, or would not, protect their citizens.

He said offers of help from the Muslim world should not be construed as intervention in Algeria's internal affairs.

Algiers accuses Tehran of supporting the radical Islamic militants it blames for the atrocities.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service