Algiers,July 03,2013 (SPS) - The Algeria- Western Sahara cultural week was inaugurated Tuesday in Algiers with the aim of strengthening the bonds of solidarity and friendship between the cities of Algiers Central and Laayoune, twinned since 2004.
The president of the People's Municipal Congress of Central Algiers, Abdel karim Bettache explained that the week, held near the Central Post Office, is part of a program that has been prepared for since six months "in order to consolidate the twinning agreement between Central Algiers and the Wilaya of Laiun, which is still under Moroccan occupation"
The event also aims to "create international awareness of the need for the Saharawi people to decide their destiny and finally get their independence," he added.
Bettache reported that a caravan of solidarity will head next July 7 from Algiers Central to the Saharawi refugee camps with donations raised by Algerian associations.
Meanwhile, the Wali (governor) of Laiun, Hama Bounya said that the event provides an opportunity to Laiun and the municipality of Central Algeria "to express their common will to strengthen cultural exchanges"
"Through our two cities (Laiun and Central Algiers) the two peoples expressed" strong common will "to strengthen the" excellent "relations." "It is also an opportunity for the people of Algeria to reiterate its unwavering commitment to his brother, the Saharawi people, and that the Saharawi people express their gratitude to the Algerian people," he said.
He also noted that the 2013 edition of the Algerian -Sahara Cultural Week is characterized by the opening of an outdoor exhibition of works by artists and Sahrawi craftsmen.
The event also includes an exhibition of photographs depicting the struggle of the Polisario Front since 1975 against the Moroccan occupation and another dedicated to the Algerian people's struggle against France in the colonial era (1962-1954). (SPS)
090/091/TRA