Algerian President Abdel Aziz Boutefliqa said Thursday terrorism claimed 200,000 lives and has cost Algeria $30 billion since 1992. Speaking on the first anniversary of his re-election, Boutefliqa said stamping out terrorism necessitates serious action and efforts on the political, social and economic levels. “After that a referendum could be conducted on whether to grant general amnesty,” he said in allusion to his wish to pardon politicians and groups who caused the decade-long political and security crisis in Algeria, including armed Islamic groups and Muslim fundamentalists. He stressed his policy of national reconciliation “is necessary for the security of the country and for achieving civilian peace.” “Without true peace and security our development efforts will be futile and in vain,” he added. © Copyright 2005 by United Press International

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