Algiers: Algerian President Abdelaziz
Bouteflika has promised constitutional reforms "aimed at
deepening the democratic process" and doubtless meant to
bolster stability amid upheavals in neighbouring North African
countries.
Strikes and protests have peppered Algeria since the
start of the year in various sectors, but demonstrations have
failed to gain national backing as Algeria comes out of years
of violence from an Islamist insurgency.
The 74-year-old Bouteflika lifted a 19-year-old state
of emergency in February, put in place at the start of the
insurgency. Violence killed an estimated 200,000.
Bouteflika promised in a Friday night speech that a
constitutional commission would be set up that includes all
political parties and said electoral laws would be reformed.
Bureau Report
