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"To commit the error of being human, I apologize for any failure," wrote President Bouteflika.
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The outgoing Algerian president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, apologized to his country in a letter published by the Algerian press service.
The president, in power for 20 years, said he was "proud" of his contributions but realized that he had "failed in [his] duty".
He added that he "was leaving the political scene without sadness or fear" for the future of Algeria.
His resignation Tuesday came after six weeks of anti-government protests.
Last week, the head of the Algerian army, General Ahmed Gaed Salah, called for his resignation.
In a letter, the 82-year-old president expressed "gratitude" for "the marks of affection and respect" of his "dear brothers and sisters".
"To commit the error of being human, I apologize for any failure," he continued.
Mr. Bouteflika also "implored the" Algerians "to remain united and never succumb to division" after his resignation.
The octogenarian leader suffered a stroke six years ago and has rarely been released since.
Pressure had been mounting since February, when the first demonstrations were triggered by Mr Bouteflika 's announcement that he would run for a fifth term in the national elections.
The president then withdrew his plans and redistributed the Algerian government to deter accusations of corruption and cronyism, but resigned this week as protests continued.
Abdelkader Bensalah, chairman of the upper chamber of parliament, is expected to become interim president for three months, until the election of the president.
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