US President Barack Obama has welcomed the decision of the Algerian government to lift emergency after 19 years and termed it as a significant step towards listening the concerns of its people.
"This is a positive sign that the Government of Algeria is listening to the concerns and responding to the aspirations of its people, and we look forward to additional steps by the government that enable the Algerian people to fully exercise their universal rights, including freedom of expression, association and assembly," Obama said.
"The United States is committed to continuing our cooperation with the Government of Algeria as it works to represent and meet the needs of all Algerians," he said,adding the US will also continue speaking up for universal freedoms, justice and the dignity of every human being.
Meanwhile, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Bill Burns, who is travelling the region, had a meeting with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Thursday.
In addition to phoning Libyan Foreign Minister Musa Kusa, Burns had a meeting with the Algerian leadership, state department officials said.