Algeria

President Bouteflika finally announced the long-awaited referendum on his amnesty plan would be held on September 29. The president hopes that the Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation, which proposes to offer pardons to rebels who surrender, will bring an end to the 13 year conflict between Islamist militants and government forces. Having received the backing of all major political parties and some influential Islamists, voters are likely to approve the plan. The likelihood that the amnesty will succeed in reducing levels of violence is less certain. However, government intelligence and other sources suggest that many rebels are ready to

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