Algiers denies EU request over its troops in Niger
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Algérie 360
Algiers says it has received no verbal note, written request or diplomatic démarche from the European Union concerning the deployment of the Algerian People’s National Army in Niger. Authorised sources cited by APS thus dispute statements attributed to a European official, following the military agreement reached between Algiers and Niamey.
Algeria says it has received no official request from the European Union concerning the deployment of the Algerian People’s National Army (ANP) in Niger. Authorised sources cited by the Algeria Press Service (APS), Algeria’s official news agency, deny any verbal note, written request or diplomatic démarche from Brussels concerning the scope, purposes or legal basis of the deployment, according to APS.
The deployment of the ANP in Niger comes under a military memorandum of understanding signed between Algiers and Niamey. APS says no official request corresponding to remarks attributed to an official presenting himself as a spokesman for the European Union was sent to the Algerian authorities.
The Algerian agency also disputes the person’s status and ability to speak on behalf of the European Union. It says the text read during a press briefing had been prepared in advance in response to a question from a French journalist, according to APS.
The denial comes after reports published on 6 November that the EU had requested clarification about Algerian troops in Niger. APS says no such diplomatic démarche took place with the Algerian authorities.
