Algerian anti-govt protests to continue despite army proposal on Bouteflika

A leader of the Algerian protests rejected on Wednesday the army chief's proposal to make a constitutional move against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, adding demonstrations will continue until the political system changes.

Algeriab Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaid Salah, addressing officers in a speech broadcast on Tuesday, said the solution to the biggest political crisis since the armycancelled elections in 1992 would be the exit of the president on health grounds. His statement suggested that article 102 of the constitution will be implemented.

"The implementation of the article 102 (of the constitution) means that the symbols of the system will oversee the transition period and organise presidential elections," Mustapha Bouchachi, a lawyer and activist, told Reuters. "Protests will continue... Algerians' demands include a change of the political system," Bouchachi added.