New Algerian PM says government will be in charge for a 'short period of time'

Algeria's new prime minister, Noureddine Bedoui, said on Thursday that his government would be in charge for a "short period of time" and would support the work of a national conference for a political transition. An independent commission will oversee Algeria's presidential election, he also told a news conference in Algiers.

Ailing President Abelaziz Bouteflika decided not to run for a fifth term in the face of mass demonstrations. Bedoui was appointed premier this week after his predecessor Ahmed Ouyahia resigned.