World Tribune.com

Algeria seeks weapons systems from U.S.

Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Monday, July 16, 2001

WASHINGTON Ñ Algeria has confirmed that it seeks to buy weapons from the United States.

Officials said the request came during the weekend visit to Washington by Algerian President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika. Bouteflika was said to have discussed the issue with President George Bush and Vice President Richard Cheney.

"We are seeking specific equipment which would enable us to maintain peace, security and stability in Algeria," Bouteflika said. "The Americans are studying our request with open minds. But I cannot say more."

Bouteflika did not disclose the defense systems Algeria is requesting. He cited increased military and defense relations between the two countries. He said this includes the U.S. training of Algeria's military.

"We are particularly happy with the results," Bouteflika told a news conference on Friday.

Western diplomatic sources said the White House had expected the Algerian request. They said Algiers seeks security equipment required to launch counterinsurgency operations against Islamic terrorists.

Algeria is the third largest Arab trading partner of the United States. Trade in 2000 reached an all-time high of $3.6 billion.

Print this Article Print this Article Email this article Email this article Subscribe to this Feature Free Headline Alerts