Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Algeria's President Announces Democratic Reforms

   VOA News  April 15, 2011
   People congregate around a large TV screen showing Algeria's President
   Abdelaziz Bouteflika in Algiers, April 15, 2011

Photo: AP

   People congregate around a large TV screen showing Algeria's President
   Abdelaziz Bouteflika in Algiers, April 15, 2011

   Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced plans to change the
   country's electoral laws and to revise the constitution as he faces
   growing pressure from a pro-democracy movement in the country.
   In a televised address Friday, Bouteflika said he would take measures
   to ensure free and fair elections, in the interest of strengthening
   democratic conditions.
   He also said he would appoint a committee of experts and to propose
   changes to the constitution that he says will be "in compliance with
   the fundamental values of our society." The reforms will have to be
   approved by parliament or by referendum.
   Over the past few months, Algerian protesters have demanded democratic
   reforms. In a concession to the opposition, President Bouteflika lifted
   a 19-year-old state of emergency in February.
   On Tuesday, thousands of demonstrators - mostly students - marched
   toward the presidential palace in Algiers. News reports say some
   demanded the resignation of the education minister Rashid Hawarbia
   while others chanted anti-government slogans.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.
   Follow our Middle East reports on [1]Twitter
   and discuss them on our [2]Facebook page.

References

   1. http://twitter.com/VOAMidEast
   2. http://www.facebook.com/pages/VOAMiddleEastVoices/124360240958667?%20%20%20%20v=wall

.