Algerian envoy praises UAE's swift assistance for earthquake victims

The UAE was one of the first countries to rush aid to Algeria when a devastating earthquake struck the capital and its neighbouring towns last month killing more than 2,278 people, the Algerian Ambassador noted recently.

In an interview with Gulf News, Abdelhamid Bouzaher said: "When the disaster struck Algeria, the UAE was one of the first countries to dispatch relief assistance. Initially three planes where sent to Algeria laden with medicines, food and blankets.

"The Red Crescent Authority's representatives were present at the scene to asses the situation and help rescue workers in locating any survivors trapped under the rubble of the collapsed buildings."

Bouzaher said by last Saturday it was recorded that over 150 countries have extended aid to Algeria. "During the first day almost 8,000 volunteers cooperated with the government to help dig out the bodies still under the rubble. Most recent statistics recorded that the death toll has far exceeded 2,000.

"At least 2,278 have been recorded dead and the number is still increasing while rescue workers are taking out dead bodies. The number of injured has exceeded 12,000 and around 160,000 people are now living in tents because their homes have been destroyed."

In response to the accusations that the Algerian government has turned a blind eye to substandard construction and rising corruption in the country due to which a large number of buildings collapsed, Bouzaher said: "It is too soon to pass a judgment on that, but President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has ordered many specialists to inspect the buildings.

"If it proves that the builders were dishonest, the government will take severe legal action against them."

He said: "President Bouteflika has promised to offer 15,000 houses initially to all those who are currently homeless. The rest will be given houses by the end of the year.

"For the first time Algeria will also issue an emergency aid of 700,000 Algerian dinars for all those affected by the quake. Insurance companies will also play their role for the first time and more aid will be provided to the people."

However, he said: "The amount of damage during the first few days was overwhelming and the government has done everything that it could to save the people."

He praised the hospitality and support of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and expected the Algerians to consider the UAE as their first option of travel. His figures showed Algeria's imports from the UAE are estimated at more than $300 million a year.

Referring to recent terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia and Morocco, the ambassador said they are likely to have a connection with increasing terrorist acts in Algeria.

"Thorough investigation by Algerian intelligence and that of the U.S. after September 11, 2001, shows that terrorists are linked all over the world. They use the same methods and support each other."