Human Rights: Algeria requires EU to respect its sovereignty, stresses Lamamra

Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ramtane Lamamra qualified Thursday in Brussels, the remarks of the European Union on the issue of human rights in Algeria as "interference", and demanded respect for national sovereignty.

"If there is a subculture that requires interference in the affairs of justice outside, Algeria does not adopt this culture," said Lamamra at a press briefing after the 9th session of the Algeria-EU Association Council.

Lamamra was responding to a question from a journalist on the observations made by the EU on human rights in Algeria.

Besides, the Algerian FM said that Algeria emphasizes the mutual respect with its European partner and therefore it requires respect for national sovereignty.

"We respect our partner, we ask and even require it to respect our sovereignty," said Lamamra, adding that "we clarified things and insisted on two principles: mutual respect and balance of interests."

He explained, in this regard, that the Algerian judiciary was independent and applies the laws of the Republic without discrimination and with confidence.

The minister said that with regard to the general partnership with the EU, many elements and aspects must be improved while others must be changed, stating that it is also time for the European side "to change attitudes towards Algeria."

He stated the political dialogue conducted between the two partners since the implementation of the Association Agreement in 2005 is "of paramount importance" and must continue to reach compliance mutual between partners.

In its final declaration released after the meeting of the Association Council, Algeria has emphasized that justice was the cornerstone of the rule of law, stating that it pursues reforms to modernize the facilitation of citizens' access to justice, dematerialisation of civil proceedings, the improvement of prison conditions and management of prisons and the establishment of a remote hearing system of dangerous prisoners and witnesses.

In addition, the Criminal Code was amended to strengthen the protection of women against all forms of violence towards her.

The children's rights have been consolidated thanks to the creation of a fund for divorced women and their children with a budgetary allocation provided by the Finance Bill 2015.