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.



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)
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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.