The Saudi leadership offers condolences to Algeria on the death of Liamine Zeroual
The Saudi leadership sends messages of condolence to Algeria
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, sent cables of condolence to His Excellency President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria on the passing of former President Liamine Zeroual, may God have mercy on him. This gesture underscores the deep fraternal and historical ties that bind the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, and their unwavering commitment to standing by their brothers in all circumstances.
Text of the telegram from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
In his telegram, the King said: “We have learned of the death of the former President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Liamine Zeroual - may God have mercy on him - and we send to Your Excellency, to the brotherly people of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, and to the family of the deceased our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy. We ask God Almighty to have mercy on him and forgive him, and to grant him a place in Paradise, and to protect you from all harm. To God we belong and to Him we shall return.”.
Text of the Crown Prince's telegram
As His Highness the Crown Prince said in his telegram: “I received the news of the death of the former President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Liamine Zeroual - may God have mercy on him - and I send to Your Excellency and to the family of the deceased my deepest condolences and sincere sympathy, asking the Almighty to have mercy on him and forgive him, and to grant him a spacious place in Paradise, and to protect you from all harm, for He is the All-Hearing, the Responsive.”.
Historical context: Who is Liamine Zeroual?
Former President Liamine Zeroual is considered one of the most prominent political and military figures in modern Algerian history. Zeroual assumed the presidency during one of the most difficult periods in Algeria's history, known as the "Black Decade." He took office in 1994 and worked diligently to restore stability and security to the country by launching comprehensive national dialogue initiatives and rebuilding state institutions damaged by internal crises.
Political legacy and historical stance
Liamine Zeroual enjoys widespread respect in Algerian and Arab circles, not only for his role in combating terrorism and restoring the state's prestige, but also for his rare democratic stance in the region. He voluntarily decided to shorten his presidential term and step down in 1999, paving the way for early presidential elections that brought the late President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to power. This position cemented his image as a statesman who prioritized the national interest over clinging to power.
The importance of the event and its regional impact
The passing of a figure of Liamine Zeroual's stature represents the loss of a symbol of national resilience in Algeria. Regionally, the swift and numerous condolences from Arab leaders, most notably the Saudi leadership, reflect the high esteem in which the deceased was held and underscore the strength of Saudi-Algerian diplomatic relations. These relations are characterized by continuous coordination in international and regional forums, whether within the League of Arab States or the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, serving the causes of the Arab and Islamic nations and enhancing regional stability.
