Algerian ex-president declines to lead transition phase

<p>By Abdel-Razek Abdallah</p> <p>ALGIERS (AA) – Former Algerian President Liamine Zeroual has turned down an offer to lead the country during a transitional phase following the anticipated resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.</p> <p>In a Tuesday statement carried by Algeria’s El-Khabar newspaper, Zeroual alleged that he was approached last week by Mohamed Mediene, a retired general and former intelligence chief, “who asked if I was interested in leading an interim phase [following Bouteflika’s departure].”</p> <p>According to Zeroual, the proposal was brokered by Said Bouteflika, the incumbent president’s brother and advisor.</p> <p>The former president attributed his decision to report on the alleged meeting to his desire to maintain “transparency” with the public. </p> <p>“I support the millions of demonstrators [calling for Bouteflika’s resignation] and will not stand in the way of the people, who appear to have regained control of their destinies,” Zeroual said.</p> <p>On Monday, Bouteflika vowed to step down as president before his fourth term officially expires later this month.</p> <p>In February, Algeria’s ruling National Liberation Front nominated the 82-year-old Bouteflika, who has ruled Algeria since 1999, to run for a fifth presidential term. </p> <p>But on March 11, after weeks of protests against his planned bid for a fifth term, Bouteflika abruptly postponed the polls — originally slated for April 18 — and formally withdrew his candidacy. </p> <p>Algerians, however, have continued to stage demonstrations against the aging leader, who they accuse of unconstitutionally extending his fourth term in office.</p> <p>*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat</p>