Algerian Foreign Minister, Ahmed Attaf, lamented that the United States' placed Algeria on a special watch list, accusing the country of committing and tolerating serious violations of religious freedom.
The statement does not reflect reality, the minister said, adding that it neglects Algeria's efforts "to enshrine the principle of freedom of belief and religious practice, which is guaranteed by the constitution in a clear and unambiguous way."
Attaf stressed that the statements of the commission regarding religious freedom in the country were based on "false and inaccurate information."
Along with Algeria, Central African Republic and Egypt are also on the commission's special watch list. While Nigeria and Eritrea are among the countries of particular concern in terms of religious freedom, according to the body.