Algerian Presdient's Illness - What is the Truth?
News24, South Africa
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Paris (France):
There is one thing Algerians know for certain about the condition of their ailing president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika - he is alive. The secrecy surrounding Bouteflika's health, after he was flown to Paris in late November for a emergency operation on a stomach ulcer, set the rumour mill spinning, with whisperings from some parts that he was dead or dying.
A brief appearance on Algerian television on Saturday put paid to that rumour, with Bouteflika attempting to reassure the Algerian public - but the 68-year-old leader looked tired and his voice was weak.
His 90-second television appearance, greeted in parts of the country by the tooting of horns, was not enough to dispel concerns for the country's future.
Although he left Val-de-Grace military hospital in Paris last week after three weeks of treatment, it is still not known when the president will be returning to Algeria. The Algerian press also reflects the growing concern in the oil-rich North African state over the president's prolonged absence.
"Bouteflika's illness - what is the truth?" Al Watan newspaper asked. "Return to daily living but not the presidency," Le Quotidien d'Oran noted.
Dec 20, 2005
News24, South Africa
________________
Paris (France):
There is one thing Algerians know for certain about the condition of their ailing president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika - he is alive. The secrecy surrounding Bouteflika's health, after he was flown to Paris in late November for a emergency operation on a stomach ulcer, set the rumour mill spinning, with whisperings from some parts that he was dead or dying.
A brief appearance on Algerian television on Saturday put paid to that rumour, with Bouteflika attempting to reassure the Algerian public - but the 68-year-old leader looked tired and his voice was weak.
His 90-second television appearance, greeted in parts of the country by the tooting of horns, was not enough to dispel concerns for the country's future.
Although he left Val-de-Grace military hospital in Paris last week after three weeks of treatment, it is still not known when the president will be returning to Algeria. The Algerian press also reflects the growing concern in the oil-rich North African state over the president's prolonged absence.
"Bouteflika's illness - what is the truth?" Al Watan newspaper asked. "Return to daily living but not the presidency," Le Quotidien d'Oran noted.
Dec 20, 2005
