Algeria takes neutral position towards Libya conflict

There is no ambiguity in the position of Algeria towards the conflict in Libya, and it neutrality does not mean supporting the leadership of Muammar Gaddafi, Algerian Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci said Thursday. In an interview with the French Europe 1 radio channel, hours before the Libya conference in Paris, Medelci said there's no ambiguity (in the position of Algeria), and when the UN Resolution 1973 was adopted, Algeria has implemented it directly. The minister said Algeria marked its "distinction" at the very beginning of the conflict, "simply because it wished that the crisis to be solved peacefully, without resorting to foreign force. " Medelci denied complicity with Gaddafi, saying Algeria has always stuck to neutrality towards the conflicts in Tunisia and Egypt. He added "concerning the case of Libya, it's a bit different, because we saw foreign interventions." Answering whether Algeria is to offer asylum to Gaddafi, Medelci said "the hypothesis that Gaddafi could knock our door was never considered." Medelci further denied reports that the toppled Libyan leader is in Algeria, while admitting that part of Gaddafi's family was given shelter in the country for "humanitarian reasons." Medelci also said Algeria is ready to recognize Libya's National Transitional Council if it forms a "government representing all regions."