Algerian President Bouteflika will stay in power until 2014, says FM

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika does not plan to leave power before the end of his term in 2014, foreign minister Mourad Medelci said in an interview with Dow Jones Newswires.

• Mourad Medelci described talks about an early leave due to health problems or political pressure as “speculation.”
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• “The president was elected for a term that must keep him [at the helm] until 2014. He was elected and well elected,” the minister said.
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• Speaking about Bouteflika’s health state, he said his health is excellent, in response to reports suggesting the president could be forced to retire due to health troubles.
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• On the other hand, Medelci said Bouteflika does not plan to stay in power for life. “I have not perceived…in the mind of the president of the Republic that he had envisaged a life presidency. That question is not being raised.”