04/04/2019 (Agence Europe) – Asked by EUROPE about the resignation of Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, an EU spokeswoman said on Thursday 4 April that this resignation opened "a new phase in the political transition in Algeria". "The EU continues to encourage Algerians to find a democratic and peaceful solution in a spirit of dialogue", she stated. In power for 20 years, Mr Bouteflika resigned on 2 April after weeks of demonstrations by thousands of Algerians demanding his departure and that of his family. Pending the presidential elections, which are scheduled to be held within 90 days, the President of the Council of the Nation, Abdelkader Bensalah, one of Mr Bouteflika's loyal supporters, will take over as interim president. The EU spokesperson also underlined the importance of the partnership between the EU and Algeria and reaffirmed the European commitment to continue deepening these relations. (CG)