To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment her Department has made of recent Islamist attacks in Algeria; and if she will make a statement. (89507)

Although Algiers and other major cities have been free of terrorist activity since mid- 2004. small-scale attacks continue elsewhere, especially in rural areas of northern Algeria. Algeria's most active terrorist group is the Groupe Salafiste pour la Predication et le Combat whose stated aim is to target so-called infidel foreign interests in Algeria. The UK condemns attempts by armed groups to undermine stability and democracy in Algeria.

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has paid tribute to President Bouteflika for the changes he has brought about in Algeria since he was elected. The National Charter for Peace and Reconciliation, which was approved in a referendum in September 2005, offers an opportunity to draw a line under the violence of the 1990s.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for Algeria is available at:

http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountrvAdvice&aid=1013618385585.