Algeria, AFRICOM discuss developments in Libya

Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal on Sunday met with visiting Commander of the U.S. Command for Africa (AFRICOM), General David M. Rodriguez, to discuss the security situation in chaos-ridden Libya and the Sahel region.

General Rodriguez is visiting the North African nation as part of the 3rd Algerian-U.S. meeting on security, a statement of the Prime Minister Office said.

The two officials exchanged views on a number of issues relating to the security situation in Africa, especially in the sub-region, the source said, adding that they discussed the latest developments in the Sahel region, especially in Libya, as well as assessing efforts being undertaken so far for restoring peace and stability there.

Earlier in the day, Coordinator for Counter-terrorism at the U.S. Department of State coordinator of the U.S. Department, Justin Siberell acknowledged that Algeria had "a leading role in the region" and has always worked in favor of promoting peace and stability.

In late August 2014, General David Rodriguez, who was on a visit to Algeria, had indicated that the North African nation is a key partner and AFRICOM endorses its commitment for a unified Libya and for reconciliation and peace in Mali.

AFRICOM and Algeria have been holding recurrent meetings to coordinate counter-terrorism efforts and exchange views over prevailing crisis in Africa.

AFRICOM is one of nine Unified Combatant Commands of the United States Armed Forces, responsible for U.S. military operations and military relations with 53 African nations. Endit