In general

Algeria gained its independence from France in 1962 and is a democratic republic. Algeria is a member of the OIC. Over 95% of its population is Muslim. Some Muslims are fundamentalist extremists, but Algeria defines itself as a moderate Islamic State. The country’s concerns include civil conflict between the secular state and the fundamentalist Islamic group (FIS), large-scale unemployment, a shortage of housing, and a need to diversify the oil-based economy.
--Laura Karnes, Antioch College, 2003

The role of the OIC in Palestine 

Algeria is concerned that a double standard in the international community in regards to labeling Palestinians as terrorists in their own country. The are not terrorists. They are fighting against injustices for self-determination and national sovereignty as a people whose rights are recognized by the UN. Algeria believes there is no ethnic hatred between Arabs and Jews. They both descended from the sons of Abraham. Disharmony in the region is essentially over land. The Palestinians are fighting against a country that does not adhere to its borders. Algeria supports the two-state solution proposed by the U.S. Continued unrest in Palestine will only foster more extremist groups and jeopardize the whole region’s stability. Peace must be negotiated through the OIC, not by allotting praise of blame to the contending parties, but by promoting the two-state solution. Algeria believes in the proactive engagement of the U.S., Europe, Russia, and Arabs in helping to achieve a just and lasting peace.
--Laura Karnes, Antioch College, 2003

Impact of the war on terrorism 

Terrorism occurs in all forms worldwide and Algeria urges the UN to take immediate action. Algeria is deeply committed to the campaign against terrorism and supports the U.S. effort to combat terrorism. It has continuously cooperated in these efforts, providing information conducive to the dismantling of al Qaeda networks in Europe. Algeria calls on all countries to drop ideologically motivated opposition and instead mount an international effort to combat terrorism. Its impact on the Islamic world has been most devastating. Algeria believes that to eradicate the underlying causes of violence and terrorism, leaders must look to each country/s problems of poverty, extreme forms of exclusion, and transiting economies.
--Laura Karnes, Antioch College, 2003

Conflict resolution among OIC member states 

Algeria supports the OIC policies and initiatives to combat regional conflicts. Algeria has proposed an idea of New Age Public Diplomacy to deal with conflicts in the region. Its overall purpose is to better anticipate indirect impacts of external policy options to adjust against undesirable fallouts. Open dialogue must occur between the West and Arab/Muslim world with an interactive public diplomacy. The forum would include groups ranging from Muslim leaders and ambassadors to scholars to business people and officials of NGO’s in the countries. They would provide input and feedback during dialogue sessions, producing more open and broad ranging views and assessments of conflicts.
--Laura Karnes, Antioch College, 2003

Prevention and control of the spread of infectious diseases

The government of Algeria entitles all citizens to long term health care that prevents and controls the spread of infectious diseases. Children and adults are scheduled for vaccinations from illnesses such as polio, diphtheria, and tetanus. Algerian law states that all hospital facilities must be equipped with the necessary resources to prevent and control diseases. The government also carries out educational measures to inform the Algerian population about hazardous materials and sources of disease. It is believed that education is a fundamental aspect of controlling and preventing the spread of disease. The government of Algeria is committed to working with the World Health Organization and all its member states to fight disease, specifically in the development and enforcement of international health standards. The government also supports a collective effort to fight the spread of AIDS worldwide, and the spread of malaria in Africa. Since Algeria is a religious country, the government encourages other nations to examine how their religious values may be helpful in control and spread of infectious disease.
--Caroline Nappo, Antioch College, 2003.

Human cloning and protecting the human genome

The government of Algeria supports the worldwide collective effort in the development of scientific research for enhancing the quality of human life; however, caution must be used in such developments. Cloning is not outright opposed. With careful judgment, it is believed that cloning would behoove scientific research, particularly in the case of eradicating terminal and long term illness. Cloning should not be used as an alternate way of human production. The worldwide community should ensure that cloning practices comply with Islamic law, and not violate the sanctity of human life. With careful research, some cloning practices could be condoned.
--Caroline Nappo, Antioch College, 2003.

Biological and chemical terrorism

The government of Algeria understands all too well the disastrous realities of terrorism. The nation has been fighting terrorist insurgency for years, and is aware of the fear and anxiety that is implicit when living under the threat of terrorist attacks. It was because of this understanding that the government supports the United States war on terrorism, and supports the worldwide effort to eradicate terrorism. The use of biological and chemical weapons should be curbed. Algeria wishes to make it very clear that its people do not support terrorist activity and are committed to assisting international efforts in the war on terror. In order to fight terrorists, their weapons of terror must be destroyed.
--Caroline Nappo, Antioch College, 2003.