Algeria refuses foreign interference in domestic affairs: FM

ALGIERS, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Algeria's newly appointed foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra on Thursday said that his country will accept no foreign interference in its internal Affairs.

In a joint press conference held with Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui in capital Algiers, Lamamra said that "we refuse any foreign interference in our internal Affairs, and we have to remain vigilant while defending our sovereignty."

Lamamra said that the national inclusive conference which was proposed by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika should "take place after the formation of the new cabinet."

On Monday, 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 craft a new constitution for the country.

Bouteflika proposed a transition period in which he would remain in power until a new president is elected.

Lamamra reiterated that "all opposition parties as well as activists from the protest movement are welcome to join this national inclusive conference to talk together and reach concrete recommendations to pave the way for drawing up a new constitution and organizing presidential election, to ultimately guarantee smooth and peaceful transition of power."

Millions of Algerians have been staging rallies across the country since Feb. 22 to call for political changes.