VOL. XLII

No. 23

7-June-1999

The Political Scene

Algerias new president has addressed the nation for thefirst time, although in such circumspect language that no-one seems sure whathe was saying. Saudi Arabia and Iran are continuing their rapprochement.

Bouteflika Speaks

Whatever else it may have been, Algerian President AbdelazizBouteflikas first address to the nation (on 29 May) since taking office on 27April was certainly circumspect. (Why he waited for a month before doing so isnot clear.) So...