On Algeria's presidential elections

Former Algerian Foreign Minister Abdul Aziz Butaflika has asserted that the objective behind nominating himself for the Presidential elections in Algeria is to rebuild the state's institutions and restore confidence.

Algerian dailies on Tuesday quoted Butaflika as saying that his decision to take part in the elections as an independent candidate came as an expression of his commitment to the unity of the nation.

In a speech before hundreds of his supporters and in his first official appearance since his nomination was announced few months earlier in Algeria, Butaflika said he got the support of the National Liberation Front, the Democratic National Coalition and the Islamic al-Nahda movement.

He said that the principle of pluralism in the country will not be violated in his policy. He stressed the need to continue fighting terrorism and on the other side to seize every chance that would help the achievement of national reconciliation in the country in compliance with the constitution and the law.