ALGIERS- Algeria handed over German national Ulumaskan Sinan, who had been held in Niger after being kidnapped by an armed criminal group, to German authorities on Monday at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs.
The Secretary-General of the Ministry, Lounès Magramane, oversaw the handover of the German national to his country’s Ambassador to Algeria, Georg Felsheim.
In remarks on the occasion, Magramane said, "These positive developments crown the efforts made by Algerian state institutions, particularly the security services under the Ministry of National Defense, to whom we extend our deepest thanks and appreciation for their role in securing the release of the German national, who was transported last Friday evening under optimal conditions from the secondary deployment base in In Guezzam to the Boufarik Air Base."
Magramane added that "Algerian authorities immediately verified Ulumaskan Sinan's good health upon his arrival and kept German authorities informed of every development until his safe return to his homeland and family."
He highlighted "the commitment of Algeria's various state services to the success of this operation, in line with numerous previous hostage-release operations that have underscored Algeria's leading role in mediation, dialogue, and consultation initiatives, as well as its humanitarian duty to preserve the life and dignity of any citizen, from any country, wherever they may be."
Magramane recalled that "Algeria, by virtue of its experience and history, will always confront all forms of violent extremism, criminal and terrorist acts, as well as the abhorrent practice of abduction and ransom payment, which it has effectively helped criminalize at the international level a contribution that is widely recognized and held up as an example."
"Whatever threatens the security of neighboring countries inevitably affects us," Magramane said, stressing that the security, stability, and prosperity of all brotherly and friendly countries remain a top priority on the political and diplomatic agenda set by Algeria's highest authorities, in line with the directives of President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
For his part, German Ambassador Georg Felsheim expressed his gratitude to the Algerian authorities for their efforts and pivotal role in securing Sinan's release and enabling his return home." Ulumaskan Sinan also expressed his heartfelt thanks to Algeria's high authorities and the People's National Army (PNA).
