Algerian military leader calls for constructive dialogue to resolve crisis

"The priority today is for each of us
to believe in the importance of moving towards a constructive dialogue that
allows us to get our country out of this relatively complex phase and to pave
the way to the next elections as soon as possible, "said Salah in a
speech to the troops in the 6th military region of the southernmost province of
Tamanrbadet.

He said the country should avoid a period of
transition because of its uncertain consequences ", because Algeria can not stand
additional delay and procrastination ".

"The only way to solve the crisis
to face our country is to take the path of serious, rational, constructive and
clear-sighted dialogue that puts Algeria first and foremost, "he said.
argued.

He noted that the Algerian people do not want
repeat the previous bitter experiences they experienced in the 1990s, by making
the violence that followed the interruption of the January 1992 election
process that the Islamist FIS party was about to win.

Salah suggested that the desired dialogue
should bring together people and elites loyal to the nation and its
supreme sacred interest, and lead "to a consensus and compromise on the
imperative to organize the presidential election as soon as possible. "

He also reiterated that he had no political connection.
ambition, claiming that his major aspiration "is to serve my country and its
army, in accordance with my constitutional duty ".

Algeria is affected by the continuation of popular protests
since February 22, demanding radical changes.

On April 2, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika
was forced to resign and cancel the initially scheduled presidential election
for the 18th of April.

The chief of the upper chamber of
Parliament, Abdelkader Bensalah, was then appointed interim president for 90 days.

Bensalah announced the holding of the
July 4 presidential election, but it could be postponed due to the lack of
serious candidates.

GNA