Bouteflika to focus on Algerian economic reform: official

By John Irish PARIS (Reuters) – Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has recovered strongly enough from a stroke to govern and will push economic reforms, including loosening restrictions on foreign investors if re-elected this month, campaign spokesman Amara Benyounes said. Benyounes, who is also Industry and Investment Minister, was campaigning in Paris on Sunday to win support among Algeria's largest disapora ahead of April 17 presidential polls. Speaking to Reuters Benyounes dismissed suggestions 77-year-old Bouteflika, who has remained mostly out of the public eye since returning from France after suffering a stroke, would not be fit to rule the country. "He will manage the country with his head not his feet and his head is working very well," Benyounes said.