WASHINGTON – Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) and Special Representative on Mediterranean Affairs for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, introduced a resolution condemning the December 11, 2007, terrorist bombings in Algeria and expressing sympathy to the victims of the terrorist attacks. According to Algeria’s Interior Ministry, the official death toll is 37, with numerous others injured. Chairman Hastings was joined by Representatives William Delahunt (D-MA), Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Ted Poe (R-TX), and Stephen Cohen (D-TN), in introducing the resolution.
“The deplorable attacks on civilian targets illustrates al-Qaeda’s determination to continue to spread its destructive aims globally. The American people understand the pain suffered by Algeria for the loss of so many innocent lives and the injury of numerous others. These inhumane attacks by al-Qaeda in the Maghreb are intended to sow insecurity and divisiveness, and, as in Iraq, can impede progress in the social and economic spheres.
“I stand in strong support of the people and Government of Algeria in their continued struggle against extremism and violence, and condemn in the strongest possible terms these terrorist attacks,” said Chairman Hastings.
The OSCE maintains special relations with six Mediterranean Partners for Cooperation: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia.
