Algerian army chief urges quick solution to crisis

ALGIERS, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Algerian Army Chief of Staff and Deputy Defense Minister Ahmed Gaid Salah on Monday called for a quick solution to the crisis in the North African nation amid mass protests.

"The Algerian people have demonstrated an exceptional and civilized sense of patriotism," Gaid Salah told officials and troops at the third military region of southwestern province of Bechar.

Gaid Salah was referring to the mass protests that have erupted across Algeria since Feb. 22 to claim political changes.

"I believe that if we act responsibly, we would reach an appropriate and quick solution" to the growing political crisis, he added.

On March 11, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced that the presidential election slated for April 18 will be postponed, and dropped his decision to seek a fifth presidential term.

He also pledged to form a new cabinet to pave the way for organizing a national inclusive conference to draft a new constitution and organize presidential election.

However, these propositions have been rejected by the protesters as they insist that the transition era should not be led by any representative of the government.

Millions of Algerians have been staging marches across the country every Friday to call for establishing a new Algeria with the new government and the new constitution. Enditem