[ecr]

The qualifying rounds, being held by videoconference from 21 to 23 January, are supervised by a jury with two members from the State of Palestine and the Russian Federation.

In a statement, the minister affirmed that following the qualifying rounds, “20 Qur'an reciters will be selected for the final which will take place in person. The winners will be rewarded on 27 Rajab (8 February), coinciding with the blessed night of Al-Isra’ and Mi’raj (the Night Journey).”

On this occasion, Belmehdi hailed Algeria’s efforts in backing the Palestinian cause, noting that “Algeria has always occupied the top spots in international Qur'an recitation competitions,” and this, he said “is thanks to the efforts of officials in charge of Qur'an teaching.”[/ecr]