Algeria “regional power” targeted by attempts to destabilize it “behind scenes”

President Tebboune stressed in a periodic interview Sunday with the representatives of the national media, the necessity for the Algerians to be “convinced that their country is a regional power,” warning against the attempts to “minimize” Algeria’s pioneering role, led by sides dictating behind the scenes through what is called the fourth generation wars that aim to destabilize the country by exploiting its children.”

In this respect, he warned against the rumors on the social networks about different sectors and which exploit the current sanitary situation to spread terror among citizens through fake news and rigged videos.  

In addition to be an “arm used by those who want to destabilize Algeria through social networks,” the rumors infringe the national security, which led us to the creation of a penal center to combat cyber crimes,” added President Tebboune.

President Tebboune pointed out that the Algerian Constitution has “enshrined the individual and collective freedoms,” adding that “the use of social networks for slander and abuse is a violation of the law” and the authors of these crimes are not prisoners of conscience.

President of the Republic affirmed that the attempts to undermine the People’s National Army aim to “deprive the Algerians of protection,” because the Army is “the protector of the national cohesion” and the backbone of the Algerian State in accordance with the declaration of First November.

President Tebboune affirmed “the State is here to deal with the concerns of all citizens, notably those of young people.”

In this respect, he announced “the launch, within two months, of programmes for disadvantaged provinces, notably in the High Plateaus and South,” adding “we have launched programmes for remote areas and we will implement other programmes to adapt the investment to the citizens’ needs.”

In his reply to a question on the composition of new Government, Tebboune said that “about half of the Government’s composition is the result of proposals of the political parties,” dubbing “balanced” this composition.

While broaching the health situation, he welcomed the sacrifices and efforts of the white army in the fight against Covid-19, announcing a revision of the particular statutes of the healthcare workers and the Civil Service Act.

Concerning the issue of drinking water supply, the Head of State assured that it will be resolved next summer with the entry into service of several sea water desalination projects, calling on citizens “to be patient” until the completion of the construction of these stations.

At the economic level, President Tebboune underlined a recovery of the national economy, recording a growth rate of 3.8% and exports that have reached levels not seen since 25 years, adding that foreign exchange reserves have reached now USD44 billion.

At the international level, President Tebboune stressed that the Algerian diplomacy has recently recovered “its real position,” underlining that the African officials “complained about the absence of Algeria.”

Concerning the crisis of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the Head of State said he is “optimistic” about the success of the Algerian initiative concerning this issue, underlining the need for a great deal of interaction with this initiative.”

09 August 2021 APS.dz