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Algerian president opens reconciliation talks

PARIS: Algerian President Liamine Zeroual begins consultations with leading figures on Saturday to try to end four years of political violence, but radical Islamists have not been invited.

The Algiers talks are expected to last at least two weeks and involve bilateral meetings between Zeroual and 50 political leaders and former government figures.

Political analysts said Zeroual's decision to exclude radical fundamentalists, including the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) which seeks his overthrow, signalled a shift in Algeria since elections last year which confirmed Zeroual in power.

About 50,000 people have been killed in Algeria since the FIS began a struggle for power after 1992 elections which they were poised to win were scrapped by the Algiers authorities.

Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia said on Friday the purpose of the dialogue was "to build on the democratic process and the republican system of government" which was the people's choice in the multi-party elections of November 16.

Newspapers said Ouyahia had confirmed Zeroual's intention to exclude the Islamist groups which he had previously attempted to enlist in the national reconciliation process.

"The framework of the dialogue is set. No discussions with the Islamists of the FIS," La Tribute newspaper said in an editorial on Saturday, elaborating on Ouyahia's remarks.

Political sources in Algiers said Zeroual would begin consultations with influential personalities followed by party political leaders, then trade unions and social organisations like the influential Mudjahideen National Organisation grouping veteran nationalist fighters led by former president Ali Kafi.

"The themes will include the next parliamentary elections and how to help the government restore peace in the country", a senior opposition party official said.

"These talks will be followed by another round of dialogue in which the presidency will outline draft laws to organise parliamentary elections", he added.

Many politicians believe Zeroual will call an election early next year.

Analysts said the decision to shun the FIS showed the Algerian authorities were growing in confidence and believed consensus could be achieved without the outlawed FIS.

"Zeroual feels strong with the popular support gained in the presidential elections", said an independent analyst speaking by telephone on Saturday from Algiers.

Political analysts in Algiers said the Algerian president had also left out politicians with loose links to the once-powerful Islamist group.

Algerian newspapers said the elections showed Algeria's 26 million people rejected violence as a means to achieve power.

President Zeroual and his aides tried to nudge jailed FIS leaders to end the country's violence through dialogue in talks in 1994 and 1995. These talks ended in failure and the authorities blamed FIS hardliners for sinking the dialogue.

Political sources in Algeria said the authorities had invited the main legal Islamist party Hamas.-Reuter