Ex-Algeria FM agrees in principle to lead interim phase

ALGERIA

Former Foreign Minister Ahmed Taleb Ibrahimi has agreed -- in principle -- to lead Algeria’s post-Bouteflika transitional phase.

Ibrahimi, who served as foreign minister from 1982 to 1988, made the decision after demonstrators -- in cities across Algeria -- repeatedly urged him to supervise the 90-day interim period.

In a Wednesday statement, the 87-year-old former FM expressed his thanks to “everyone who has honored me with their confidence by proposing my name at the demonstrations”.

He added: “I will put my humble experience at the disposal of all those who love the homeland… until sovereignty returns to the country’s legitimate authority -- the people.”

Algeria’s long-serving president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, resigned early last month following several weeks of popular demonstrations against his 20-year rule.

Abdelkader Bensalah, a former speaker of parliament, is currently serving as interim president for a 90-day transitional period overseen by the army.

Demonstrators, however, have remained on the streets to demand the departure of all Bouteflika-era officials, including Bensalah.