Algeria's Bouteflika faces threat from military
Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Wednesday, December 6, 2000
CAIRO — Algerian President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika again faces a
threat from his powerful military.
Bouteflika is facing opposition from the military to his proposal to
change the constitution. The changes are said to limit the military's role
in political life.
Reports from Algiers said the military also disagrees with the president
over the future of the disputed Western Sahara. Bouteflika has been seeking
a U.S.-mediated resolution to the conflict with neighboring Morocco.
The clash appears to be the second time in as many years that Bouteflika
has faced off against the powerful military. Bouteflika delayed appointing
his Cabinet earlier this year because of the military's insistence that its
candidates be given ministerial posts.
In March, Bouteflika then dismissed or transferred dozens of senior
military officers.
Algerian newspapers and Arab diplomats said another dispute involves
Bouteflika's efforts to make the military accountable for human rights
violations. Amnesty International has been pressing to meet Algerian
generals to discuss alleged torture and killing of dissidents.
Bouteflika has refused to allow the meeting. But to the consternation of
the military the president is willing to discuss the issue.
The dispute comes amid renewed violence in Algeria. Over the weekend, 10
people were massacred in Islamic insurgency attacks.
Wednesday, December 6, 2000
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