DATE=1/31/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=ALGERIA VIOLENCE (L-O)
NUMBER=2-258622
BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB
DATELINE=CAIRO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: A newspaper in Algeria says Islamic militants
have killed 11-members of a local militia in the
eastern part of the country. Middle East
Correspondent Scott Bobb reports the attack comes as
Arab interior ministers conclude a two-day meeting in
Algiers aimed at combating terrorism.
TEXT: The independent Algerian newspaper, "Liberte",
says the attack occurred near the town of Arris, 400-
kilometers southeast of Algiers. It says Islamic
rebels of the Appeal and Struggle group attacked a
pro-government militia post and fled with a number of
hostages. It says government forces have mounted an
operation to track down the rebels.
It was the bloodiest attack since clashes 10-days ago
in the Relizane region, several-hundred-kilometers
west of Algiers, in which two-dozen soldiers and
scores of rebels reportedly were killed. The Algerian
government has vowed to eliminate rebels who rejected
a four-month amnesty offer that expired two-weeks ago.
The violence occurred as interior ministers of 20 Arab
countries ended a two-day conference Sunday in
Algiers. The ministers voiced support for
international efforts to combat violence and organized
crime.
In their final declaration, the delegates called
terrorism a phenomenon that threatens peace and
security. But they also drew a distinction between
terrorist acts and what were termed the right of
people to wage armed struggle for freedom and
independence.
The declaration was aimed at strengthening an Arab
anti-terrorism accord passed two-years ago that seeks
to increase international cooperation in combating
terrorism and international crime.
Delegates also expressed support for the civil concord
presented by Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
It offers amnesty to rebels who lay down their arms.
The Algerian government says all but 20-percent of
rebel elements have taken advantage of the offer.
(SIGNED)
NEB/SB/JWH/RAE
31-Jan-2000 09:50 AM EDT (31-Jan-2000 1450 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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