Tebboune: Algeria Won’t Tolerate Any Foreign Interference in its Internal Affairs

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. (dpa)
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. (dpa)
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Tebboune: Algeria Won’t Tolerate Any Foreign Interference in its Internal Affairs

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. (dpa)
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. (dpa)

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune stressed on Monday that his country will not tolerate any foreign meddling in its internal affairs, underlining the importance of mutual respect between countries.

Challenges have become more serious, in light of the various crises in the region and tension in many neighboring countries, he said during the opening ceremony of the Heads of Diplomatic, Consular Missions Conference in Algiers.

He pointed to the tension in Libya due to the foreign meddling of several countries, as well as the situation in the Sahel region, which has been facing multifaceted conflicts.

“Our priority lies in strengthening the African Union to protect it from malicious attempts targeting its unity and pivotal role,” Tebboune urged, stressing the need to promote joint Arab action.

Moreover, he said the Arab summit, which will be held in Algiers in March, should act as a valuable opportunity to renew the collective commitment to support the Palestinian cause and bolster the role of the Arab League.

He called on Algerian envoys across the world to intensify efforts to achieve security and stability in the region, especially by participating in resolving the Libyan crisis and promoting stability in the Sahara region.

Tebboune further underscored the importance of taking advantage of Algeria’s upcoming one-year membership in the United Nations Security Council, from 2024 to 2025, to contribute in efforts aimed at maintaining international peace and security.



US Defers Removal of Some Lebanese, Citing Israel-Hezbollah Tensions

Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
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US Defers Removal of Some Lebanese, Citing Israel-Hezbollah Tensions

Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)

The United States is deferring the removal of certain Lebanese citizens from the country, President Joe Biden said on Friday, citing humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon amid tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

The deferred designation, which lasts 18 months, allows Lebanese citizens to remain in the country with the right to work, according to a memorandum Biden sent to the Department of Homeland Security.

"Humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon have significantly deteriorated due to tensions between Hezbollah and Israel," Biden said in the memo.

"While I remain focused on de-escalating the situation and improving humanitarian conditions, many civilians remain in danger; therefore, I am directing the deferral of removal of certain Lebanese nationals who are present in the United States."

Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have been trading fire since Hezbollah announced a "support front" with Palestinians shortly after its ally Hamas attacked southern Israeli border communities on Oct. 7, triggering Israel's military assault in Gaza.

The fighting in Lebanon has killed more than 100 civilians and more than 300 Hezbollah fighters, according to a Reuters tally, and led to levels of destruction in Lebanese border towns and villages not seen since the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war.

On the Israeli side, 10 Israeli civilians, a foreign agricultural worker and 20 Israeli soldiers have been killed. Tens of thousands have been evacuated from both sides of the border.