Mediation and conflict settlement: Algeria’s efforts “impressive”

ALGIERS-The efforts made by Algeria in terms of mediation and conflict settlement are impressive,” said the Director of Finland’s Centre for Peace Mediation, Katja Ahlfors, stressing that Algeria and Finland “share the same doctrine in this field.”
“Algeria’s role in the release of the American hostages in Iran, the resolution of the crisis between Ethiopia and Eritrea, Iraq, and now in other conflicts in Africa is commendable in more ways than one,” said Ahlfors at a conference she hosted at the National Institute of Global Strategic Studies (INESG) on international mediation and its challenges.
“The non-alignment of Algeria and its legendary neutrality are the secrets behind the success of its mediation efforts. These characteristics have also built the good reputation Finland enjoys in terms of international mediation,” said Ahlfors.
According to her, Algeria’s expertise in terms of mediation and facilitation in the resolution of conflicts allowed the country to continue playing this role in the 21st century, marked by the emergence of new challenges and problems, like water scarcity, illegal immigration, and underdevelopment.
“Algeria’s mediation is decisive, particularly in Africa where its voice is heard and respected,” the INSEG guest stressed.
In this regard, Ahlfors stressed that the credibility Algeria and Finland enjoyed in terms of mediation allowed them to “play a key role in the resolution of bilateral and multilateral international conflicts.”
“My visit to Algeria, which follows those of other Finnish officials, is an opportunity to explore new ways to coordinate and work together at the international level,” she said.
Katja Ahlfors also recalled that Finland, whose expertise in terms of mediation and facilitation in the resolution of conflicts is "particularly requested", is an active member in many mediation groups within the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN).
For his part, the Director General of INSEG, Abdelaziz Medjahed advocated the adoption of a "direct and unambiguous style" in international mediation.
"The perpetrators and parties at the origin of conflicts must be treated as such. They must be put before their responsibilities," he said.
He stressed that the conflict in Western Sahara, the crisis in Libya, and violence against the Palestinian people "continue precisely because of the silence observed against the perpetrators of these conflicts.”
Medjahed particularly denounced the policy of double standards adopted by NGOs.
Moreover, he called the rich countries to anticipate the conflicts in certain regions of the world, particularly in Africa, and this through the strengthening of investments.