The chargé des affaires consulaires (chargé d'affaires for consular matters) stated during a interview on 19 March 2001 at the Embassy of Algeria that a person performing national service, or a person in the active force, who leaves their duties is considered to be a deserter.

A formal complaint is presented by the concerned authorities to the military police who issues a wanted notice (ibid.). The subject of the complaint is then not eligible for the measures of regularization or the amnesty related to the national service (ibid.).

For further information on whether the amnesty applies to the deserters, please see DZA34363.FE of 29 June 2000.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Embassy of Algeria, Ottawa. 19 March 2001. Interview with the chargé des affaires consulaires.