Russia expects to maintain footprint in Algeria despite unrest
In Moscow, the Algerian and Russian foreign ministers discussed the North African country's domestic political crisis, their mutual dislike for foreign intervention and the need to elevate bilateral ties.
Ramtane Lamamra, the foreign minister as well as deputy prime minister of Algeria, visited Moscow March 19. His talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov seemed like a conversation between two old friends who have a lot to reminisce about. However, at the final press conference the Algerian guest passionately describing the changes coming up in his country while the Russian minister remained solemn. Discussing the issues of Algeria, Lavrov maintained his objections to foreign powers intervening in the matters of other countries.
The topic of foreign intervention into Algeria’s internal affairs became Lavrov’s focus during the public part of the talks — the opening ceremony and the final press conference.
The first thing Lavrov said in greeting his counterpart was, “We are obviously concerned with the events currently taking place in your country. We see the attempts to unsettle the situation, and we strongly object against any intervention into this process. I can safely assume that the people and the government of Algeria are certainly capable of finding solutions based on the national constitution.”
During the press conference, Lavrov made similar statements in support of the plans Algerian government had drawn up to stabilize the situation.
