Algeria calls for immediate end to violence in Syria

Algerian Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci, who took part on Friday in the International Conference of Friends of Syria in Tunis, called for the immediate end to violence in Syria, regardless of the source or who is behind such unrest. Quoted by Algerian radio, the minister made his remarks in a speech in the conference and renewed Algeria position for the organisation of "national, global and comprehensive dialogue" in Syria under the aegis of the Arab League, recalling that Algeria "rejects" any foreign intervention in the country. Medelci also reaffirmed his country's ongoing contribution to reactivate the Arab initiative, including the mechanisms given to the initiative since November 2011, which was approved by the Syrian government. The Algerian minister expressed hope that the International Conference of Friends of Syria achieves its intended goal and abide by the Arab initiative for the benefit of the Syrian people. Meanwhile, a number of Algerians sympathized with the Syrian people conducted a peaceful protest in the central of the capital, calling for the expulsion of the Syrian ambassador from Algeria and an end to extreme violence by the Syrian regime against the Syrian people. The protest which took place from Al-Qubah area was led by Sheikh Ali belhaj, the second in command of the Algerian Islamic Front party, however, Algerian security forces quickly isolated and ended the protest. Participants carried out signs denouncing the Syrian regime and called for an end to the bloodshed. Organisers said the peaceful protest came in response to calls by major Islamic clerics who called for support to the Syrian people.