Algerian President Bouteflika « boycotts » French National Day celebrations

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika Monday boycotted France’s National Day celebrations while he left Paris at the beginning of these events which took place at the Elysee gardens.

• Many French newspapers thought the Algerian president, who attended the summit of the Union for the Mediterranean, may attend these celebrations.
•  When President Bouteflika stayed until Monday, many journalists did not leave his residence and several news agencies went on to confirm his participation in those celebrations.
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• The Algerian president attended the UM summit without taking a picture in order not to appear in one picture with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.