Algeria Watch International
    P.O.Box 27423
    West Allis, WI. 53227, USA
    Tel: (414) 543-6534
    email: awi@afn.org
    URL: https://members.tripod.com/~AlgeriaWatch
    
    Statement Release: AWI9803007
    
    March 24, 1998
    
    
    The United Nations Commission on Human Rights is currently holding its annual
    six-week session (March 16-April 24) in Geneva.  Among the most urgent cases
    before the commission is the case of the current violence in Algeria. Algeria
    Watch International wishes to urge the United Nations Commission on Human Rights
    to appoint an official to investigate the recent massacres and endemic violence
    in Algeria.  Algeria Watch International is well aware that the Algerian authorities
    have agreed in "principle" to a visit to Algeria by United Nations experts on
    torture and executions.  However, the Algerian government has so far refused to
    grant permission for such visists to take place in Algeria.  Algeria Watch
    International urges the United Nations to reiterate its call that the Algerian
    government allow its envoys entry into the country to carry out their crucial job
    of establishing the exact nature of the violence in Algeria.