Algeria

Lord Howell of Guildford Excerpts

Thursday 27th March 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

My Lords, if one looks across the wider MENA region, Algeria remains stable compared to other countries in what is a difficult and troubled region. The campaign, as the noble Lord has pointed out, has begun for presidential elections on 17 April, and the UK looks forward to working with whoever the Algerian people elect. On the specific issue of observers, I cannot give an answer now but I will certainly check that and write to him.

[Lord Howell of Guildford (Con)]

Is my noble friend aware that Algeria is interested in closer association with the Commonwealth? Will he see that his ministerial colleagues encourage that?