[19990824]RS20312_阿尔及利亚：新总统及其政策.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20312August 24, 1999Algeria: A New President and His Policies(name redacted)Specialist in Middle Eastern AffairsForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryThe powerful Algerian army appears to have sought President Liamine Zeroualsearly departure from office and, in elections held in April 1999, Abdulaziz Bouteflika waselected to replace him. The opposition charged that the elections were fraudulent.Bouteflika had served as Foreign Minister from 1963-78, but had been absent from thecountry for some years. After seven years of civil war between government securityforces and Islamist militants, Bouteflika has proposed a civil concord or amnesty toadvance the prospects for domestic peace. Rising oil prices could enable him to addresssome of the countrys many socioeconomic problems, should he choose to do so.Bouteflika already has reactivated Algerias foreign policy to restore its internationalprestige. The outlook for U.S.-Algerian relations appears positive, as modest bilateralmilitary contacts solidify ties that have a firm commercial foundation and Bouteflik