Algeria's army chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaed Salah attacked the opposition, saying they had malicious intents and worked for foreign powers.
He warned against those "who seek by all means to undermine the efforts of the National Dialogue and Mediation Panel, by imposing unrealistic conditions and rejected demands and by promoting the idea of negotiation instead of dialogue and appointment instead of election,” reported Algeria Presse Service (APS).
In his speech on the second day of his visit to the 2nd Military Region in Oran, Salah accused the opposition of imposing ideas and predetermined agendas on the next president, which is unconstitutional.
The opposition rejects the military's agenda set to resolve the current crisis, especially with regard to organizing elections now.
Salah hailed “all efforts made to advance the dialogue and find a rational and objective solution to the current crisis.”
The opposition forces call for deep political reforms to avoid electing a new president with the same mechanisms that allowed Bouteflika to stay in power for 20 years.
They also demand the dismissal of the government of Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui, arguing that it is illegal because he was appointed by Bouteflika before his departure.
The opposition is proposing a transitional phase lasting between one and two years, during which the constitution will be amended and several laws will be revised before holding new elections.
However, Salah strongly rejects this proposal, saying the country avoided all dire consequences of transitional phases. He also threatened to reveal the identities of “advocates of abolishing the constitution and initiating a transitional phase.”
He noted that “the army has confirmed information about their involvement in the service of their narrow interests and the service of their masters.”
Salah rarely addresses political matters without attacking and threatening opponents, and accusing them of working for foreign powers. He has also stated on several occasions that he will “reveal” these “parties” but has never did.
He believes elections will be a real opportunity to embody and translate the popular will by choosing a president with the necessary legitimacy and the trust of the people.
The army chief renewed his call to form the independent national commission to prepare, organize, and monitor the elections, which is a fundamental guarantee to overcome the status quo.
He commended the “patriotic and sincere efforts of the National Dialogue and Mediation Panel and the encouraging results achieved in such a short time.”
