Algerian president accepts premier's resignation, new government within 72 hours

A statement released by the Algerian presidency on Monday said that President Liamine Zeroual accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Ahmad Ouyahia.

The statement said that the President said: "He avails this opportunity to express his satisfaction for the efforts made by all members of the Cabinet in administrating people's affairs and building the state's institutions."

The Algerian President is expected to receive later Ismael Hamadni to assign him the task of forming a new government including members of the former government, with the exception of the ministries of the interior, justice, communications and culture.

It is also expected that the National Liberation Front and the Peaceful Society Movement parties will propose amendments in the ministries of housing, higher education, tourism and transport, whose performance was viewed as weak.

Hamadni is expected to announce his government within 72 hours. Algerian experts said that the new government will be greatly concerning with the economic and social situation in the country.

The sources expected that the new government will reschedule the Algerian debts for the third time within the falling petroleum prices that constitute a large portion of the budget.