ALGIERS, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal unveiled the government's plan of action for the next five years on Sunday, which is particularly focused on national security and stability, as well as building an emerging economy, according to the APS news agency.
The plan aims at enhancing national reconciliation by convincing militants to lay down arms and return to the mainstream society. Yet counter-terrorism actions will be also reinforced to safeguard homeland security, Sellal said.
As part of that reconciliation, Sellal said that President Abdelaziz Bouteflika had decided to "lift the ban on leaving the country for some people suspected of terrorism," and that "the judge is only party entitled either to ban or to authorize these people to travel abroad."
Also the government is to hold regular dialogues with civil society and elected assemblies, as the country is working to divide power among the judiciary, the legislature and the executive branches, the prime minister said, pledging that reform will continue to improve public service of justice in a bid to make it fully independent and free.
Economically, the country is set to amend laws to facilitate and enhance productive investment, which is a key element in expanding and diversifying the national economy.
Sellal emphasized on the government's commitment to "safeguard long term energy security to maintain its position as an active actor in the international oil market for fuel." In that regard he recalled the government's decision to authorize the exploitation of nonconventional hydrocarbons, including shale gas.
Algeria is still traumatized by a decade of war with armed Islamists in the 1990s, in which more than 200,000 people have been killed. Wary of conflicts, the people are now looking forward to a stable society, despite some protests in recent years due to the lack of jobs, services and housing.
The country's southern region has lately been under terrorist threat following the chaos that hit Mali and Libya. More troops have been deployed along the borders to counter any intrusion of militants and weapons.
The North African oil producer also needs more foreign investment, particularly in its energy sector, as oil and gas production has been stagnating.
The plan of action still needs to be debated at the two houses of the parliament before approval and then becoming effective.
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