Algerian army chief supports demand that Bouteflika should step down

Algeria's army chief Ahmed Gaed Salah has backed the people's demands following a month of mass protests against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and asked for the presidency to be vacated, major news channel reported.

This comes as about 2,000 people are rallying in central Algiers on Tuesday calling for the resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, keeping up the pressure after weeks of protests that threaten to topple him and the ruling elite which has helped keep him in power for 20 years.

Bouteflika, one of the veterans of the 1954-1962 war of independence against France who dominate the country, bowed to protesters this month by reversing a decision to seek another term and postponing elections that had been scheduled for April. Based on the constitution the upper house chairman Abdelkader Bensalah will be caretaker for at least 45 days, news channels reported.