Marty Offers Condolences For Death Of Indonesian Ambassador To Algeria

Jakarta, Sept 17 (Antara) - Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Marty Natalegawa has offered condolences for Ambassador to Algeria Ahmad Niam Salim, who had died of a heart attack in Algeria on Wednesday at 6.15 a.m. local time. "Our deepest condolences for the death of Ambassador Niam Salim. We do hope his soul will be accepted by Allah and his family will remain strong," Marty Natalegawa said at the House of Parliament building here on Wednesday. Marty received the news that Ambassador Salim had suffered a stroke on Saturday (September 13) in Algeria and had to be moved to Paris, France, for treatment. "The hospital in Paris, however, informed that the hospital was exposed by a virus outbreak, so if the ambassador is sent to Paris, he will probably have complications," said Marty. Hence, Marty explained that the plan to move him to Paris was postponed, but on Wednesday morning, Salim`s death was announced. Regarding the return of Ambassador Salim`s body to Indonesia, Marty noted that they were still waiting for the family`s decision. Ahmad Niam Salim had served in Algeria since 2012, and before becoming an ambassador, he had worked as a journalist in Semarang, Central Java, and had joined a political party.