Algerian president to return home soon

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who is being hospitalized in France since late April, will return home soon, Algerian Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci said Wednesday. "Bouteflika is due to return to Algeria soon. But till now, he is still in France for a few days of recovery," Medelci was quoted as saying by the Radio France International (RFI). Medelci, who is in Addis Ababa to partake in the 23rd session of the African Union's Executive Council, said "there is good news about the health of President Bouteflika. After some unfounded statements, the truth has prevailed, as president is confirmed today to be good." Bouteflika, 76, suffered a transient ischemic attack last month and is currently hospitalized in Paris. The president's minor stroke triggered debate in the country's political arena, as some radical opponents have urged to organize the anticipated election to elect a new president. On Sunday, two local newspapers were prevented from publication for reporting that Bouteflika had fallen into a coma.