Bouteflika: “No Algeria without Kabylia”

Algerian independant candidate Abdelaziz Bouteflika was warmly welcomed in Tizi Ouzou province (150 km east of Algiers) which is said to be in conflict with the power in place.

• “Today and after this historic welcome, I can die with no worry about Algeria’s future,” Bouteflika said in his speech as part of the electoral campaign in the run-up to April 9th presidential polls.
• He arrived in Tizi Ouzou on Tuesday’s morning. The main avenue was crowded as people were waiting to greet him.
• Historic figures were among them.
• The welcome was very spontaneous and there was no slogan against the power in place. People were shouting: ‘Bouteflika is present today and tomorrow.’
• Bouteflika said he still ignores who was behind the the Black Spring events in Algeria. “I have always said the truth…the National Reconciliation and the national unity is an integral peer and I will not give it up.”
• He said Algeria is Tamazight and the Kabylia region can not exist without Algeria and vice-versa.
• The incumbent president urged remaining terrorists to join the National Reconciliation process, saying Algeria and all its security forces welcome those misled with no hard feelings.
• Speaking about his development achievements in Tizi Ouzou, he said local residents deserve prosperity promising them to carry out a special development program.
• He asked residents to cooperate with public authorities and concede their lands to public projects in return for compensation.