US clergy leader calls on Algeria to open up Tindouf Camps
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, June 21

Rev. Rob Schenck, head of the National Clergy Council in Washington called on Algeria to open up the Polisario-run Tindouf camps, south-western Algeria, and let the populations decide whether to stay or to leave.

Rev. Schenck described this move as the "only reasonable thing that Algerians could do," and which would allow the thousands of sequestered civilians to "leave these places and seek a better life."

The cleric was speaking, here on Tuesday, to a delegation of Moroccans from Sahara origins (Moroccan southern provinces), religious leaders and parishioners. He was referring to the Moroccan civilians held against their will in the camps since the mid '70s.

The camps are run by a separatist group that lays claims to the Moroccan Sahara and enjoys Algerian full support.

Rev. Schenck deemed that if these persons are not granted freedom, "they will remain as prisoners, captives and hostages." He denounced the conditions prevailing in the camps, and called on Algeria to free these populations "without intimidation, without threats, without obstacles and without interference."

The Polsiario is a "gang of corrupt mercenaries," he said, venting condemnation of its resort to moral and physical torture against "the thousands of women, children and men."

Last modification 06/21/2006 10:10 PM.
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