ALGERIA

It's an Algerian SOSfor protecting its energy-richdesert areas from Muslimmilitant attacks. It hasalready imposed strict controls on movements withinits energy production zones.In a radio message transmit-ted across the nation, theinterior ministry announcedthat oil and gas productionareas would henceforth bedeclared "restr 'icted zones".-Movements of people andvehicles on roads passingthrough energy zones is lim4ed to only national and foreign company staff whoseactivities are related tohydrocarbons (oil and gas),and to local inhabitants,"stated the order. This is anattempt to prevent the ultras.rom damaging the energy,producing centres, crucial inteeping the present regimeafloat.