DATE=11/21/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=ALGERIA / MASSACRES / UPDATE (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-256413
BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB
DATELINE=CAIRO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Security forces in Algeria report 15-people
have been killed and eight wounded in an Islamist
militant attack. Correspondent Scott Bobb reports
from our Middle East Bureau in Cairo that Algeria's
president is warning the Islamist guerrillas to end
their violence or face eradication.
TEXT: The latest attack occurred at a roadblock near
the city of Blida, 50-kilometers south of Algiers.
The victims were gunned to death or their throats were
slit, a method often used by Islamic militants.
Twenty people were killed a few days before, bringing
to nearly 100 the number of victims in the past few
weeks.
Algerian newspapers say 500 people have been killed
since last September, when Algerians approved a law
granting amnesty to militants who turn themselves in.
But two extremist groups have rejected the amnesty and
vow to continue their war.
The latest attacks have led some to worry about a
resurgence of violence in coming months, especially
during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan which begins
in two-weeks.
The former Egyptian ambassador to Algeria, Hussein
Ahmed Amin, told V-O-A such violence is
to be expected.
/// AMIN ACT ///
I think that the recurrence of violence in
Algeria is normal, though regrettable. But it
is the remains of the heritage of violence that
has been seen for the past six-years or seven-
years.
/// END ACT ///
Ambassador Amin says he believes Algerian President
Abdelaziz Bouteflika is capable of ending the
violence, although it will take some time.
President Bouteflika warned Friday those who do not
take advantage of the amnesty that is to expire in
January, will be eliminated. (SIGNED)
NEB/SB/ALW/RAE
21-Nov-1999 12:18 PM EDT (21-Nov-1999 1718 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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