Algerian FM Accused of ‘Violating Constitution’

Abderrazak Makri, the leader of Algeria Islamist political party, the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP) is pictured in Algiers, Algeria May 18, 2018, REUTERS/Ramzi Boudina
Abderrazak Makri, the leader of Algeria Islamist political party, the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP) is pictured in Algiers, Algeria May 18, 2018, REUTERS/Ramzi Boudina
TT

Algerian FM Accused of ‘Violating Constitution’

Abderrazak Makri, the leader of Algeria Islamist political party, the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP) is pictured in Algiers, Algeria May 18, 2018, REUTERS/Ramzi Boudina
Abderrazak Makri, the leader of Algeria Islamist political party, the Movement of Society for Peace (MSP) is pictured in Algiers, Algeria May 18, 2018, REUTERS/Ramzi Boudina

The Movement for the Society of Peace (MSP), Algeria's biggest Islamist political party, accused Foreign Minister Abdulqader al-Msahel of ‘violating the constitution’ after using the French language in his speech in the UN, during its 73rd session in New York.

Head of the Movement of Society for Peace Abderrazak Makri said Wednesday, following a meeting of the party cadres, that the foreign minister using of a foreign language while delivering a speech in front of the General Assembly constituted an abuse of the national sovereignty and a violation of the constitution.

He added that not taking procedures against this incident is proof that the decision-makers are insincere in their repetitive speech about patriotism.

The Algerian constitution stipulates two formal languages: Arabic and Berber language. However, the majority of government officials speak in French in their official meetings and while communicating with the media.

Furthermore, MSP criticized the ambiguity regarding presidential elections and said that was a proof that the ruling system lacked vision.

Earlier, Makri stated that his party wouldn't take part in the political arena in case Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika ran for the presidency.

A statement was issued by the foreign ministry Wednesday to note that the minister called for a political solution that is fair and acceptable by Morocco and Polisario Front – his statement was made during a meeting between Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General President Horst Koehler and al-Msahel.



Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
TT

Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.