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Ex-Algerian President Bouteflika Addresses Nation, Asks for Forgiveness

© AP Photo / ENTV In this image from state TV broadcaster ENTV, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, sitting in wheelchair, views the document as he presents his resignation to president of Constitutional Council Tayeb Belaiz, during a meeting Tuesday April 2, 2019.
In this image from state TV broadcaster ENTV, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, sitting in wheelchair, views the document as he presents his resignation to president of Constitutional Council Tayeb Belaiz, during a meeting Tuesday April 2, 2019. - Sputnik International
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CAIRO (Sputnik) - Algerian former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika who has recently resigned after nearly 20 years in power, addressed the nation on 3 April, asking for pardon, but at the same time saying that he was proud of having led the nation in all these years.

"I have become an ordinary citizen, but this does not deprive me of my right to be proud of my contribution to the development of Algeria, which entered the 21st century in a much better condition than it had been before", Bouteflika said.

The former Algerian president stressed that he was proud of having led the nation for 20 years, adding that the country's progress in all spheres was made in this exact time.

"I am leaving politics, but at the same time I do not fear for the future of my country, I am sure that you will be able to continue the path of reforms together with the new leadership, and will apply all efforts to make our country flourish even more", he concluded.

The 82-year-old former head of state also asked for forgiveness for the mistakes he made during his long-term presidency.

"I am an ordinary person who may make mistakes… I apologise for the shortcomings", he said.

READ MORE: Algerian Constitutional Council Endorses Bouteflika's Resignation — Reports

Abdelaziz Bouteflika - Sputnik International
Africa
Algeria's Bouteflika Promises Smooth Transition of Power After Resignation
The Algerian longtime president stepped down in a public broadcast late on Tuesday by handing a resignation letter to the Constitutional Council.

Bouteflika served four terms as president since assuming office in 1999. In February this year the leader who suffered a stroke several years prior, announced his new presidential bid. The announcement quickly prompted large waves of anti-government protests, the largest in over a decade. Bouteflika finally surrendered to the demonstrators' demands and said he would not seek a new term.

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