Algerian president in Italy

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Monday headed for Rimini, Italy to take part in the annual meetings which are organized in the city in the course of "friendship among peoples."

The Algerian president read a speech in this gathering in which he reviewed developments taking place in Algeria on all levels.

Regarding the civil reconciliation law, which will be the subject of a September 16 referendum, Bouteflika said, "I invite the Algerian people to determine itself," the Algerian News Agency reported.

He added that his country's economic potential is not sufficiently developed.

Bouteflika, in a press conference after his speech, commented on the violence that has escalated in Algeria recently before the referendum, saying, "There are death merchants both inside and outside the country." He added, "Violence merges in a magma of brigands, Mafiosi, and thieves."

For its part, the Algerian daily al-Watan said that Bouteflika will hold on the sidelines of the gathering an informal meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini.