Background
Was born on March 14, 1931, at Tebessa in eastern Algeria near the Tunisian border.
Was born on March 14, 1931, at Tebessa in eastern Algeria near the Tunisian border.
Educated locally, he went to the University of Tunis.
Journalist and educationalist given charge of the expansion of the three- channel radio and the single-channel television services. His background at the Foreign Ministry and his skilful handling of inter-Arab problems indicate that his talents could be switched back one day to the international scene.
A guiding light in the student nationalist movement.
He remained a journalist for six years then was transferred at independence in 1962 to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Starting as counsellor, he rose to be head of the important Algerian- French Relations Department and later head of the Arab Countries Department. By January 1966 he had the rank of Minister and was clearly marked for promotion.
Later that year he was appointed Secretary-Ganeral of the Ministry of National Education. His main drive was directed at a vast expansion of the schools programme to end illiteracy and create enough qualified persons for the new opportunities in the oil, gas and chemical industries. During his four years at the Ministry he was secretary of the national committee for UNESCO.
In radio and television he has carried forward his enthusiasm for education. He has given priority for more and more programmes for teaching people mathematics, chemistry, languages, literature and general knowledge.
A man of sophisticated taste and style who makes the most of the limitations of his budget.