France minister maintains close watch on anti govt protests in Algeria

France is watching closely the anti-government protests in former colony Algeria, but it is for Algerians to decide their future, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Wednesday. "We have to let the electoral process develop and France, given our historical links, ... is very attentive," Le Drian told lawmakers. Algerian war veterans said protesters demanding ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika step down after 20 years in power had legitimate concerns and urged all citizens to demonstrate, in another sign of cracks in the ruling elite.