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Algeria holds funeral for late ex-president Bouteflika

A convoy transporting the coffin of former Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika heads towards El Alia cemetery. Courtesy photo

Algiers, Algeria | Xinhua | Algeria on Sunday held the funeral in the capital Algiers for former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who died Friday night at age of 84.

Bouteflika was buried Sunday afternoon at the Square of the Martyrs in the cemetery of El-Alia where several former presidents were buried.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Prime Minister Aymene Benabderrahmane, parliament leaders, army leaders, government members, as well as Bouteflika’s family members attended the funeral.

Tebboune on Saturday ordered flags to be flown at half-mast throughout the country for three days in honor of Bouteflika.

Bouteflika became the Algerian foreign minister in 1963. He participated in the presidential election in 1999 and scored an overwhelming victory. Bouteflika had served as president for four consecutive terms until April 2019.

In April 2013, Bouteflika suffered a cerebrovascular accident, which reduced his mobility and presidential activity. He had since made rare public appearances.

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Xinhua

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