Algerians protest new interim president

By Hassan Jebrel</p> <p>ALGIERS (AA) – Security forces on Tuesday forcibly dispersed demonstrations held against Abdelkader Bensaleh, who was appointed interim president earlier the same day.</p> <p>Bensaleh was appointed interim leader for a three-month period, replacing long-serving President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who resigned last week amid continued popular protests against his rule.</p> <p>Police on Tuesday used teargas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators in Algiers, who began their protest from the capital’s Martyrs' Square.</p> <p>After police initially managed to clear the area, thousands of protesters later returned to the square, vowing to maintain their demonstrations until Bensaleh vacates the presidency.</p> <p>Along with Bensaleh, protesters also demand the departure of recently-appointed Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui and Constitutional Council President Tayeb Belaiz.</p> <p>Reports of Bensaleh's appointment earlier Tuesday sent thousands onto the streets of Algiers and a number of other Algerian cities, including Constantine and Bejaia. </p> <p>Last week, Bouteflika announced his resignation after weeks of popular protests against his continued rule.</p> <p>Activists, however, have vowed to continue protesting to demand the departure of all Bouteflika-era officials.