US Chargé d’Affaires Mark Shapiro Explains Delay in Appointment of American Ambassador to Algeria
By Dr. Hana Saada
US Chargé d’Affaires in Algeria Mark Shapiro has addressed questions surrounding the absence of a formally appointed American ambassador in Algiers, describing the situation as part of what he called normal diplomatic transitions within the US foreign service system.
In remarks published Monday evening through the official platforms of the US Embassy in Algiers, Shapiro explained that Washington had adopted similar arrangements in several countries, noting that diplomatic appointments often follow lengthy and sometimes unpredictable procedures.
Speaking in an interview format released by the embassy, the American diplomat said the nomination process for ambassadors could take “one month, two months, or even an entire year,” depending on internal mechanisms governing diplomatic assignments and confirmations.
Shapiro stated that US authorities considered certain countries too strategically important to leave diplomatic representation without continuity for extended periods, which led to his appointment in Algeria to ensure what he described as the “leadership and continuity” of the American diplomatic mission.
The diplomat, originally from New York, previously served in Algiers between 2007 and 2009 as an economic attaché before returning to Algeria following the departure of former US Ambassador Elizabeth Aubin.
He added that his responsibilities as chargé d’affaires are effectively identical to those of an ambassador, including oversight of embassy operations, bilateral strategy and the management of relations between Washington and Algiers.
The interview, presented in an intentionally informal format, featured Shapiro inside embassy facilities and at the official residence, where he also reflected on his return to Algeria and the changes he said he had observed in the country since his earlier posting.
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