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Algerian-Chinese clash an isolated case: Ambassador

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-08-07 16:16

ALGIERS: A recent brawl between some local Algerians and some Chinese in Algiers was an isolated public security case that must be resolved according to law, the Chinese ambassador to Algeria said.

The clash was provoked by a parking dispute between a young Chinese and a young Algerian, Liu Yuhe said in an interview with the Hong Kong-based Phoenix Satellite Television on Wednesday.

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The incident took place on Monday in the Bab Ezzouar district in the eastern suburbs of Algiers, an area frequented by many Chinese vendors.

The friends and relatives of both sides later joined the fight, causing injuries of various degrees to some Algerians and Chinese, Liu said.

During the incident, several Chinese stores were looted, and five Chinese-owned cars were damaged. After police arrived on the scene, the situation was quickly under control. Four people were arrested.

The Chinese ambassador said actions undertaken by some by no means reflected the friendship and cooperation between China and Algeria.

Currently, more than 30,000 Chinese were working in Algeria, mainly in the construction of residential buildings, highways, railways and the like, the Chinese ambassador added.

Moreover, the Chinese have contributed to the economic development that benefited the local population, he said.

Regarding the security of the Chinese population in Algeria, Liu said he was following news reports about potential terrorist attacks in Algeria.

The Algerian government had taken necessary measures to ensure the safety of petrol boats and Chinese companies in the country, the ambassador informed.

The security of the Chinese in Algeria was also guaranteed, he concluded.