Algeria PM says new cabinet to guarantee smooth power transition

ALGIERS, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Algerian newly appointed Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui on Thursday pledged that the cabinet he is due to form will be tasked with the mission of guaranteeing smooth transition of power.

Bedoui held a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra, and indicated that "we are about to form a technocrat cabinet that should include young national competences to pave the way for smooth transition of power."

Bedoui added that the government is committed to manage this transition period, "which will be short and won't exceed one year."

As for the role of army in the current situation, Bedoui said that army is the protector of the border, and it is committed to the duty of thwarting "any threat that could harm the nation."

On Monday, President Bouteflika announced a set of proposals to pave the way for smooth transition of power, as he invited all parties for an inclusive conference that would draft a new constitution for the country.