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Diplomacy
Japan Responds to Political Uncertainty in Algeria
Friday, March 15, 2019
Tokyo – (PanOrient News) Japan voiced hope that Algeria’s current president decision not to seek another term will move promised reforms forward and maintain stability in that country.
“Japan pays close attention to the decision of Algerian President Bouteflika not to seek his fifth term and his announcement of a plan to reform the Algerian political system before the next presidential election,” said a statement by Foreign Press Secretary Takeshi Osuga on Thursday. “Japan hopes that the reforms will move forward stably based on the will of Algerian people.”
Massive protests across Algeria calling for the ousting of Bouteflika, who has been in power for two decades, turned into celebrations when it was announced earlier this week that he would no longer be running for reelection. The 82-year-old president has hardly been seen in public since his stroke six years ago.
However, protests resumed Tuesday after the Algerian government postponed next month’s elections without offering a new date. Although the announcement included the promise of reforms, some have interpreted the recent developments as a political maneuver by the current government to remain in power.
“Japan believes the stability in Algeria is indispensable to the stability of the region,” continued the statement. “Japan expects that Algeria will continuously play a constructive role for the peace and stability of the region, by overcoming this sensitive stage.”
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