New Algerian prime minister urges opposition to come to the table
Noureddine Bedoui laid out his plans three days after ailing President Abelaziz Bouteflika said he would not run for a fifth term
Algiers — Algeria’s new prime minister said on Thursday he would form a temporary government of technocrats and others to work towards political change in response to weeks of street protests, and he urged the opposition to join in a dialogue. Noureddine Bedoui laid out his plans at a news conference in Algiers three days after ailing President Abelaziz Bouteflika announced his decision not to run for a fifth term that would have extended his 20 years in power. Bouteflika's offer came after tens of thousands of Algerians staged demonstrations demanding an overhaul of a stagnant political system dominated by veterans of the 1954-1962 war of independence. He delayed elections set for April and said a national conference would be held to discuss political change. However, Bouteflika stopped short of stepping down and many activists fear his move may be a ruse. Prime Minister Bedoui, who replaced Ahmed Ouyahia on Monday, said the new government would be formed early next week. "This gov...
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