One of the glorious episodes of Algerian diplomacy is that of Algeria’s mediation for the release of the 52 American hostages in Iran. Thus, after several days spent at the mercy of the kidnappers, the 52 Americans were able to regain their freedom thanks to the diplomatic intervention of Algeria.
Brilliantly playing the role of intermediary during the first episode of Iranian-American tensions, Algerian diplomacy has forged an international reputation. A reputation that has been consolidated with other feats of arms that have marked history.
In a publication on its social networks, the American Embassy in Algiers remembered the episode of the Algerian mediation in order to release the 52 American hostages held at the Tehran embassy by visiting the places where the negotiations took place. later proved to be victorious.
Thus, the American ambassador in Algiers, Elizabeth Aubin, donned the jacket of the guide to make the visit which led the subscribers of the American embassy to the villa Montfeld, located in El-Biar.
This residence, place of holding of the negotiations, took, according to the ambassador, an important place in the recent history of the United States. “It is an honor for me to live in this historic place. said US Ambassador Elizabeth Aubin.
The visit continued with the reading of a letter, undersigned, Jimmy Carter, then 39th President of the United States, during this diplomatic crisis, to the Algerian Ambassador, Reda Malek.
“Thanks to your efforts and those of your compatriots, the 52 American hostages have been released. The American people send you their respect and admiration. said US President Jimmy Carter on February 19, 1981.
The video ended with the American Embassy in Algiers reminding that, “The American people will be forever grateful for Algeria, which played an immense role in this crisis. »
Back to the case of the hostage taking of 52 Americans in Iran
It was 42 years ago. After the political change that Iran experienced following the “Islamic revolution” in 1979, which precipitated the fall of the Iranian Shah, a group adhering to the new wave stormed the American embassy in Tehran.
Accused of espionage, the employees of the American embassy and other civilians in place were held for 444 days. At first, the American authorities tried to free the hostages by the song of arms.
Qualified as operation “cowboys”, the military operation “Eagle claw”, which the American president, Jimmy Carter launched, did not have the expected result.
The Iranians, on their side, demanded the extraction of the Shah so that he could be judged in Iran. A request categorically refused on the American side.
However, given the magnitude of the event, dialogue was essential. It was ultimately Algeria that played the role of intermediary between the two belligerents. The Algerian mediation bore fruit and resulted in the release of the 52 American hostages. Another time!
