Moreover, the risks of militarization and weaponization of cyberspace through the development of cyber offensive capabilities and the risks to turn cyberspace into a theater of military operations, has become higher and therefore deeply concerning. Mr. Chair, In light of these growing challenges my delegation would like to touch upon the following points: My delegation expresses its high satisfaction over the convening of this first substantive session of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) established within the UN, that allows the participation of ail Member States. This gathering will contribute to develop, on the basis of consensus, rules, norms and principles of responsible behavior of States for the use of information and communication technologies (Ids). It will also define the ways for their implementation; and carry on the ongoing efforts to understand how international law applies in this domain. In that spirit, Algeria firmly believes in the necessity to develop and lay, under the UN auspices, the foundation of a future legally binding framework, that should take into account the concerns and interests of all States, Such a legal framework, fully dedicated to international cooperation on safeguarding the peaceful uses of Ids, will undoubtedly constitute a valuable contribution towards assuring and preserving stability and security in cyberspace through the prevention of conflicts. Furthermore, my country underscores the importance of ensuring the full respect of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter in the use of such technologies, namely, the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, refraining from the use of force in international relations, respect for human rights, and peaceful coexistence among States.