France Backs Algerians' Pursuit of 'Democratic Transition'
France said Tuesday it was confident in Algeria's "democratic transition," after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika submitted his resignation in the face of massive street protests.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the ailing leader's decision to step down marked the turning of "an important page in the history of Algeria."
He said the Algerian people had shown, through "dignified and peaceful" protests in recent weeks, that they were "determined to make their voice heard."
"We are confident in the ability of all Algerians to continue this democratic transition in the same spirit of calm and responsibility" that has prevailed in recent weeks, Le Drian added in a statement.
Bouteflika, 82, had ruled the former French colony for some two decades and had long been accused of clinging to power.
The veteran leader faced mounting pressure to step down following his decision to seek a fifth term, despite rarely being seen in public since suffering a stroke in 2013.
His decision to stand aside was announced on state television on Tuesday, which quoted his resignation letter saying the move was to allow Algerians "to take Algeria towards a better future to which they legitimately aspire."
Source: Agence France Presse
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