Algerian government summons US ambassador to protest new airport security rules

Algeria summons US ambassador over security rules

ALGIERS, Algeria — Algeria’s government has summoned the U.S. ambassador to protest a decision to subject passengers traveling from the North African nation to tougher airport security screening.

Algerian Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci’s office called the new security measures “unfortunate, unjustified and discriminatory.” It says the minister “strongly protested” the changes in his discussion Monday with U.S. Ambassador David D. Pearce.

It was not immediately possible to get comment from the U.S. Embassy because it had closed for the day.

The U.S. imposed new rules this month requiring enhanced screening for anyone traveling from or through Algeria and 13 other countries regarded as state sponsors of terrorism or considered “countries of interest.”