VOL. XLIII

No. 36

4-September-2000

ALGERIA

Algerian PM Resigns Over Pace Of Privatization, Oil Minister Retains Portfolio

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Ahmed Benbitour on 26 August and asked Ali Benflis, Director of the Office of the President, to form a new government the same day. Mr Benbitour said he resigned because of differences with Mr Bouteflika over how to revive the ailing national economy. But an Algiers-based diplomat, who declined...