US President Barack Obama has welcomed the decision of the Algerian government to lift emergency after 19 years. Obama said this is a positive sign that the Government of Algeria is listening to the concerns and responding to the aspirations of its people. He said US is looking forward to additional steps by the government that enable the Algerian people to fully exercise their universal rights, including freedom of expression, association and assembly. Obama added the United States is committed to continuing its cooperation with the Government of Algeria. Meanwhile, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Bill Burns, who is travelling the region, had a meeting with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika yesterday.