JUSTICE MINISTER INDICATES DESIRE TO MOVE FORWARD

C O N F I D E N T I A L ALGIERS 001789 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/08/2026 TAGS: PGOV PREL AG SUBJECT: JUSTICE MINISTER INDICATES DESIRE TO MOVE FORWARD ON LEGAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENTS AND JUDICIAL TRAINING Classified By: Charge d'Affaires, a.i. Thomas F. Daughton; reasons 1.4 (b, d) ¶1. (C) Minister of Justice Tayeb Belaiz, in a brief October 7 introductory call by the Ambassador, placed considerable emphasis on concluding a bilateral extradition treaty with the U.S., called it a logical outcome of the joint U.S.-Algeria fight against terrorism, and linked it to mutual legal assistance and cooperation. He mentioned that Algeria had recently concluded a bilateral extradition treaty with the United Kingdom. The Ambassador noted that past U.S. attempts to discuss Algerian detainees at Guantanamo Bay had resulted in minimal Algerian reaction and, as a result, a bilateral extradition treaty was perceived as not a high priority for Algeria. Belaiz responded that there was active interest, as there was in concluding a bilateral agreement on assistance in criminal matters. He added that it was important to move forward as well on a bilateral treaty that facilitated access to the Algerian justice system by foreign investors. (Note: In connection with the return of terrorist suspects to Algeria, the UK and Algeria recently included a bilateral extradition treaty and treaties on mutual legal assistance in criminal and civil matters. End note.) ¶2. (C) Belaiz stressed that training was an important component of the current judicial reform process. He was particularly interested in programs aimed at professionalizing judges. In response, the Ambassador briefly detailed relevant MEPI and other programs in Algeria, including the Commercial Law Development Program on bankruptcy and adjudicating disputes on credit, a U.S. Patent and Trademarks Office program on intellectual property rights, and an American Bar Association program on ethics. The Ambassador noted that the programs had been successful and had highlighted an Algerian desire for more training and exchange. DAUGHTON