Bouteflika takes office

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika today assumed his tasks as president of the Algerian Republic after taking his constitutional oath before the people of Algeria.

Following the taking oath ceremony, Bouteflika will deliver a speech. Former Algerian President Liamine Zeroual will also give a speech on this occasion and will then invest President Bouteflika with the national order of merit.

Among authorities offered to the President of the Algerian Republic during his five years in power are to be the higher commander of the armed forces, to decide upon foreign policy, to appoint the prime minister or terminates this appointment as well as other authorities in appointing persons to the state's civil and military posts.