Chief of the Popular National Army of Algeria General Mohammed Lamari called for greater economic cooperation between India and Algeria in technological and strategic areas and in the fight against terrorist forces. Lamari, who called on Maharashtra governor Dr P C Alexander, said his visit would serve to further strengthen the close and long friendship between India and Algeria.
The general, who shared India's concern on terrorism, said "terrorism has no place in any religion. Some terrorist groups are misusing religion for their ulterior motives".
"Terrorism in every form must be fought and eliminated and there can be no place for it on spurious grounds of religion and faith", he added. Asserting that the world had come to realise the danger of terrorism after the September 11 attacks in the US, Lamari said both India and Algeria had been facing the menace for several years.
According to Lamari, Algeria had for long faced the menace of terrorism fostered by fanatics and religious fundamentalists but had now effectively overcome the problem.
Briefing the general on the Indian situation, the Maharashtra governor said India takes pride in its secular traditions and culture.
"However a small section of religious fundamentalists encouraged by sources outside the country were trying to create a law and order problem in the country", he said.
Bureau Report