Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06ALGIERS365
2006-03-05 08:54:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Algiers
Cable title:  

UNOFFICIAL, EMBASSY-EDITED TEXT OF IMPLEMENTING

Tags:  PGOV PTER PHUM AG 
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VZCZCXRO8421
PP RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHKUK RUEHMOS
DE RUEHAS #0365/01 0640854
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 050854Z MAR 06
FM AMEMBASSY ALGIERS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0381
INFO RUEHEE/ARAB LEAGUE COLLECTIVE
RUEHCL/AMCONSUL CASABLANCA 2640
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ALGIERS 000365 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PTER PHUM AG
SUBJECT: UNOFFICIAL, EMBASSY-EDITED TEXT OF IMPLEMENTING
ORDINANCES FOR NATIONAL RECONCILIATION

REF: ALGIERS 338

CHAPTER ONE: PREAMBLE
-----------------------

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ALGIERS 000365

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PTER PHUM AG
SUBJECT: UNOFFICIAL, EMBASSY-EDITED TEXT OF IMPLEMENTING
ORDINANCES FOR NATIONAL RECONCILIATION

REF: ALGIERS 338

CHAPTER ONE: PREAMBLE
--------------


1. The opening chapter lauds the sovereignty of the people
who overwhelmingly voted for the Charter and implements the
legal provisions of the approved charter in their name.

CHAPTER TWO: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
--------------


2. In brief, this chapter deals with legal proceedings
against those implicated in terrorism. Legal proceedings
would be ceased upon adoption of the ordinances for all
persons in the following categories:

Those who surrendered between January 13, 2000 and the
promulgation of the implementing ordinances;

Those who have not been implicated in collective massacres,
rapes or the use of explosives in public places have six
months to surrender to the authorities and will have to turn
over their weapons;

Those who are "wanted" inside or outside the country and who
have not been implicated in the above mentioned crimes;

Those who have been condemned in absentia and not implicated
in the crimes above, provided they present themselves to the
authorities within a six-month period;

Those who have been implicated in support networks must
present themselves to the authorities within six months;

Those who have been detained, but not convicted, and who are
not implicated in the crimes above.

Chapter Two further provides for pardons for persons detained
and convicted for acts not related to collective massacres,
rapes, or the use of explosives in public places. It also
provides for a reduction of sentences for persons convicted
who, in conformity with other provisions, can benefit from
either a pardon or cessation of legal action.

CHAPTER THREE: REINTEGRATION INTO SOCIETY
--------------


3. Chapter Three presents measures designed to consolidate
national reconciliation and measures to prevent the
repetition of the "national tragedy." With respect to the
first, this chapter calls for the reintegration into their
profession of all persons who were dismissed due to "the
national tragedy." On the second measure, all kinds of
political activity will be forbidden for any person
responsible for "the instrumentalization of religion" which
led to the national tragedy or any person who participated in
terrorist actions and refused to take responsibility for
those actions by continuing to "advocate violence against the
nation and institutions of the state."

CHAPTER FOUR: DISAPPEARED PERSONS PRESUMED TO BE DEAD
-------------- --------------


4. Devoted to disappearances of persons, this chapter
provides that families may obtain death certificates for
persons who "showed no sign of life" or whose body had never
been found after all investigative means were exhausted.

CHAPTER FIVE: NO PUNISHMENT FOR FAMILIES
--------------


5. This chapter aims to strengthen national cohesion.
Family members would not be held responsible or penalized for
the involvement of relatives in terrorist activities.
Discrimination towards them would be forbidden, and they
would be allowed legal recourse should they should they
believe discrimination has occurred. Finally, families "in
financial difficulties" would receive financial assistance
from the state within the framework of national solidarity.

CHAPTER SIX: SECURITY SERVICES SHELTERED
--------------


6. This chapter presents findings on the role of the
security services. It finds that the security forces acted
out of patriotism. No legal action can be taken,
individually or collectively, against members of the security
forces. Denunciations of or complaints against the above are
inadmissible. Further, any written declaration or other act
using or instrumentalizing the wounds of the national tragedy

ALGIERS 00000365 002 OF 002


in order to attack these institutions weakens the states and
prejudices the honor of agents who have served the public
with dignity. Persons tarnishing the image of Algeria in
this way are subject to legal sanctions.

CHAPTER SEVEN: PRESIDENT MAY IMPLEMENT BY DECREE
-------------- ---


7. In accordance with the mandate conferred on the President
by the September referendum, and in accordance with powers
granted to him by the Constitution, this chapter provides
that he can at any time take all measures required to
implement the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation.


8. The above ordinances were adopted February 28 and took
effect March 1.

ERDMAN