Former general Khaled Nezzar to Echourouk

Mentioned several times in the latest book release by the former colonel Tahar Z’biri, the former general and defence minister Khaled Nezzar has accepted to give his own version of facts over several issues pertaining to the Algerian political life in his quality as of one of the main actors at that time.

• Reacting to Z’biri’s  version of facts over his refusal to take part to the military coup to topple the late Houari Bomediene, the general said “ My position was crystal clear right from the beginning ; that is to stand by the regime represented in the person of Houari Boumedienne … I have just behaved like a disciplined officer”.

• In the wake of the crisis that reached its peak at the top of the military command, the commander of the second military region, former president Chadli Benjedid, has contacted Khaled Nezzar informing him that troops were moving toward Algiers coming from the province of Al Asnam heading for Blida.

• Khaled Nezzar has indicated that dissensions between Tahar Z’biri and Houari Boumedienne surfaced to daylight in November 1967 when the late president noticed that the colonel was absent from the military parade and was represented by his deputy , colonel Abbas.

• The general considers the former president liamine Zeroual as one his closest companions on account of their long military career that spanned two decades dedicated to the military institution in addition to the retired general Mohammd laamari.

• But a conflict broke out between the two men in 1988 over the reform of the army at that time pushing Khaled Nezzar to forward his resignation to the Defence Ministry’s Secretary General , colonel Mustapha Chelloufi.

• Relating the circumstances of his departure , Khaled Nezzar said” in 1988 I have forwarded a series of suggestions to modernize the Algerian army and reform it, the president Benjedid has given his green light despite a staunch opposition from some officers. I have spent six months trying to convince them and was resilient to carry on my project even if it required my resignation”.

• He further added” I knew that Zeroual, who replaced me at that time, was intending to reform the army so I sent him the general Laamari to remind him our agreement, I wasn’t against the idea of making changes on the project provided that he ( Zerroual) doesn’t  tumble a year long work”.

• The general has indicated that Liamine Zerroual was deeply affected at the news of his ( Nezzar) resignation and vowed to take into account his project if he reconsiders his decision, this position was key in the return of Liamine Zeroual to the military institution as a defence minister than a president in the wake of the refusal of Bouteflika to accept the role in 1994.

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