ALGERIA: Independent candidate Abdelaziz Bouteflika hits the presidential campaign trail in Tizi Ouzou

Record ID: 573827

  • Title: ALGERIA: Independent candidate Abdelaziz Bouteflika hits the presidential campaign trail in Tizi Ouzou
  • Date: 28th March 2009
  • Summary: BOUTEFLIKA ON THE STAGE OF THE MEETING ROOM AND HIS SUPPORTERS APPLAUDING HIM. SOUNDBITE (French) ABDELAZIZ BOUTEFLIKA, INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE, SAYING: "From the place where I am, I could imagine even for a moment that we can speak, in Algeria, about the national unity and the indivisibility of Algeria. Long live Algeria. Long live Algeria. Long live Algeria." SUPPORTERS ACCLAIMING AND APPLAUDING BOUTEFLIKA. SOUNDBITE (French) ABDELAZIZ BOUTEFLIKA, SAYING: "Today, I would like to tell you very clearly, and to the entire nation, that from the position I occupied, I don't know until now, who from one side or from the other, caused this national tragedy in Algeria. I am an authentic Amazigh (Berber)." SUPPORTERS APPLAUDING BOUTEFLIKA. SOUNDBITE (French) ABDELAZIZ BOUTEFLIKA, SAYING: "After the welcome you reserved me at Tizi Ouzou, I would like to say quietly: I can die serenely."
  • Embargoed: 12th April 2009 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Algeria
  • Country: Algeria
  • Topics: Domestic Politics,People
  • Reuters ID: LVAWB83Y8L0J9SSCQE8HEEK8JFH
  • Story Text: Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Independent candidate in the upcoming presidential elections, hits the campaign trail in Tizi Ouzou.
    A tight security cordon was thrown around a rally by Algerian presidential candidate Abdelaziz Bouteflika as he campaigned in Tizi Ouzou, around 100kms from Algiers on Friday (March 27).
    Preaching national unity, Bouteflika focused on development of the country and removing obstacles to progress.
    He was welcomed warmly by the residents, many of whom had dressed in local costume to greet him.

    "He arranged the country, he arranged the roads, and he provided the Kabylie region with the electricity, the water and the gas. He arranged everything for us," said one local.
    The six candidates for the presidential election on April 9, 2009 are focusing on economic and social development and the restoration of peace and security in Algeria.
    Bouteflika, running as an independent candidate, thanked the Algerian people for working toward unity in his speech on Friday.

    "Actually, the majority of the Algerian people are for the peace, for the national unity and for the national reconciliation. It is thanks to all of you," he said.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
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