General Khaled Nizar reveals: Bouteflika's brother sought to sack the army chief

Former Algerian Defense Minister Khalid Nizar revealed details of calls between him and Bouteflika, the brother of former Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, on how to counter the popular movement and military movements.

In a lengthy statement - published by Nizar on Monday on a website run by his son - Nizar said his position on the popular movement in the country since February 22, which led to the resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika from power.

Nizar, who served as defense minister between 1990 and 1994, said he spoke with Said Bouteflika twice during the movement at the request of the latter to consult on how to deal with the crisis, and he understood from his speech that he was the de facto ruler of the country "and that the president was absent, The latter was happy to cling to the power and maneuver to keep it. "

In a meeting with Bouteflika on March 7, the strongman said he had proposed a plan to end the crisis with the resignation of the president and changes in various institutions in response to the street. "But Bouteflika categorically rejected it and said it was dangerous to them, "He said.

"When I asked him about the solution, if the street refused Bouteflika's request for a solution (to extend his rule and organize a conference for dialogue), Said replied that a state of emergency would be imposed, and here I replied that the demonstrations are peaceful and this option can not be used."

Nizar said he received a new call from Said Bouteflika on March 30: "Through his voice, I knew that he was in a state of confusion. He told me that the commander of the armed forces (Qaid Saleh) was meeting with the commanders of the branches of the army. Against the presidency (..) Said was afraid of his arrest. "

"As I asked for my opinion on the issue of the removal of the chief of staff, I was told that he would be responsible for striking the army unit at this sensitive stage."

This latest contact between Nizar and Said Bouteflika coincided with a meeting of the Army Command in the Ministry of Defense, which issued a statement calling for the application of a constitutional provision on the vacancy of the position of President.

There has yet to be any response from Bouteflika, whose fate is unknown after his brother resigned on April 2 after nearly 40 days of peaceful protests in which large sections of the Algerian population participated.