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After a visit to many sites, along with members of the government and the wali (governor) of Algiers, Merad welcomed the efforts of Algiers to restore some dark areas and transform them into leisure parks visited by many citizens in the capital and from different parts of the country.

He also commended the role of national media in raising public awareness about the restored leisure sites.

The minister said "workshops are underway to develop other spaces to be open to the public."

He expressed his wish that the operation be extended to such areas throughout the country."

The three-day Algiers Sports Festival includes more than 70 sports and leisure activities.

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