Algerian President calls for consultations among parties

Algerian President Liamine Zeroual on Wednesday extended written calls to Algerian parties represented in the Parliament in order to convene a meeting on September 30, in preparation for early presidential elections to be held before the end of February 1999.

The Algerian state-run radio reported that the participants in the meeting will discuss conditions and measures for these elections. It added that another meeting will be held with other "legalized parties," but no date was fixed for such a meeting.

The Algerian President will also consultat with independent national organizations and societies and political figures, similar to previously conducted electoral consultations he had made.

On Tuesday, the Presidential election preparatory committee held a meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Ahmad Au Yahya in the capital Algiers. The committee comprises representatives of several ministries including those of the interior, foreign affairs, defense, finance and communications.