Benflis: I am not the candidate of the army

The candidate for the Algerian presidential elections Ali Benflis yesterday called for having a calm and honest elections on April 8th, commending the position of the Algerian army for being neutral.

Benflis who is making a visit to France for three days during which he will be meeting with members of the Algerian community said that the Algerian President Abdul Aziz Butaflika sought during his term of office to control the Algerian judiciary and restrict the freedom of the press in the country so as to be able to renew for himself the next Presidential elections.

Benflis indicated that he is not the candidate of the army to the elections, noting that the decision of the army to not deal with politics matter is considered a great change in the country on its way to establish democracy.