Algerian president's speech 'inclusive': Islamic party

By Abdulrazzak Abdullah

ALGIERS (AA) – Algeria's largest Islamic party on Monday hailed newly-elected President Abdelmajid Tebboune's speech as "inclusive" and helps ease tension in the North African country.

Tebboune was elected president in a presidential election held on Thursday to succeed Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who resigned in April after mass protests against his 20-year rule.

In a speech on Friday, Tebboune said he was ready to engage in dialogue with protesters, pledging "major changes" to the country's constitution and election law.

Tebboune's speech was "inclusive that would help reduce tension and open up horizons for dialogue and reconciliation," the Movement of Society for Peace said in a statement.

It, however, said that it will wait to see the president's actions, not words, to judge his performance.

Algeria has been in turmoil for months amid calls for the removal of the remnants of Bouteflika's regime.

Still seen by many as one of the symbols of the Bouteflika regime, Tebboune pledged during his campaign that his political program will meet the demands of the protesters.

* Bassel Barakat contributed to this report from Ankara