U.S.-Algeria Relations

Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, I am honored to appear before you today. I greatly appreciate the trust placed in me by President Bush and Secretary of State Powell in nominating me to serve as United States Ambassador to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. At the outset as well, I want to pay tribute to my wife and family, who have been a constant source of support, inspiration, and encouragement.

Mr. Chairman, this posting is a fitting culmination of a career that began with service in the Peace Corps in Turkey and that has led to my serving in or working on countries around the Mediterranean basin for the last 30 years. It is a journey that has taken my family and me to Italy, Turkey, Cyprus, Yugoslavia, Portugal, Spain, Israel, and Lebanon. And it is a journey that has involved me deeply in Greek-Turkish issues, the Balkans, and, most recently and at senior levels, Arab-Israeli issues. The unintended but common thread has been a career focused on the unresolved ethnic, nationality, and political disputes arising out of the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. So a posting to Algeria -- once a distant Ottoman outpost on the North African littoral and now a proud nation emerging from a decade of horrific civil strife and grappling with democratic change -- brings me full circle on my Mediterranean journey.

Mr. Chairman, Algeria and the United States have friendly ties, a history of diplomatic dealings that go back to the earliest days of our Republic, and a record of helping each other at key junctures. Algeria played an instrumental role in helping negotiate the release of the U.S. hostages from Iran. It has collaborated with us in mediating some of Africa’s bloodiest disputes. And, having lost more than 100,000 of its own citizens in terrorist violence, it has given unstinting support in the war against terrorism. Indeed, President Bouteflika was the first Arab leader to condemn the September 11 attacks and, under his leadership, Algeria has played an invaluable role in helping break up al-Qaeda terrorist networks and promoting practical international cooperation on terrorism.

For our part, during Algeria’s liberation struggle, it was an American Senator -- John F. Kennedy -- who in 1958 first urged U.S. recognition of Algeria’s aspirations for independence. And now, at another crossroads in Algeria’s history, the United States seeks to extend a supportive hand and to expand its engagement as Algeria seeks to heal old wounds and makes progress in addressing the political and economic aspirations of the Algerian people. President Bush’s welcoming of President Bouteflika to Washington for two separate bilateral meetings in 2001 helped set the stage for this deepened engagement, and subsequent visits to Algeria by senior administration and congressional officials have helped carry this process forward.

Mr. Chairman, such engagement is important to U.S. interests. As a large, populous, and geographically strategic country with a wealth of human and mineral resources, Algeria is poised to play a key role both in the Arab world and in Africa. Working in partnership toward the building of a stable, secure, and democratizing Algeria is thus essential to promoting U.S. strategic objectives in both regions. Accordingly, if confirmed as Ambassador, I will work to expand relations, keeping in mind that progress in our bilateral relationship, including on the military side, should both reflect and encourage Algeria’s own efforts to implement significant reforms. And, in seeking to support Algeria’s democratic development, I will underscore the importance of a strong commitment to good governance, the rule of law, and the role of women, and ensure that human rights concerns remain a vital component of our bilateral dialogue.

The course of Algeria’s healing process directly affects regional stability, a key U.S. interest. Algeria’s struggle with terrorism entailed not only lost economic opportunities at home, but also missed opportunities for better political and commercial relations with neighboring states. In this regard, the U.S.-North African Economic Partnership, now in its fourth year, has assisted Algeria and other Maghreb states in spurring economic growth at home, fostering integration into the world economy, and building stronger ties with one another and with us. Stronger regional ties, it is hoped, will also facilitate efforts to resolve the Western Sahara issue in a way that is acceptable to all sides, another important U.S. interest.

With these goals in mind, the United States is providing technical assistance as Algeria prepares for WTO accession. We are also working to improve the investment climate, update commercial codes, and strengthen regulatory and enforcement mechanisms. If confirmed, I will work to ensure that future programs in these and other areas that are funded by the Middle East Economic Partnership Initiative are designed and carried out effectively and efficiently. I will also vigorously work to expand the number of U.S. firms that are taking a serious look at investment opportunities in Algeria, as reforms begin to take hold, and work to ensure a level playing field for U.S. companies.

In closing Mr. Chairman, the improving security situation in Algeria, the potential for increased bilateral engagement, and the start of construction on a new Embassy chancery in coming months signal a new chapter in our relations. As we begin this new chapter, I want to salute my colleagues who, under difficult circumstances and at some personal sacrifice, kept our diplomatic mission open and our flag flying during 10 years of draw-down status. If confirmed, I will work with Washington to continue this transition to normal Embassy operations as the security situation permits, based on the sound recommendations of my predecessors, the Congress, and others concerning security, staffing and resource levels, and morale. As we move forward on these plans and other issues, I will of course keep as my highest priority and duty the safety of Americans and local staff entrusted to my care.

Mr. Chairman, members of the Committee, thank you for this opportunity to address you. I would be pleased to respond to any questions you may have.