ALGIERS
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Sunday warned against "attempts to destabilize" his country, amid ongoing protests against shale gas exploration in southern Algeria.
"Strengthening the internal front is primarily the government's responsibility, but political forces and citizens also have the duty of exercising caution during times of tension," Bouteflika said in a statement on the occasion of the International Women's Day.
"Amid current instability in the region, the nation's best interests should be more important than political differences," he added.
Last week, Algeria's septuagenarian President ordered an army general to negotiate with protesters opposed to shale gas exploration in southern Algeria.
Protests against shale gas exploration have raged in the southern part of the North African state for almost two months now, with protesters demanding the suspension of exploration, citing its perceived effect on the environment.
With reserves estimated at 19.8 billion cubic meters, Algeria is the world's third largest holder of shale gas – after China and Argentina – according to a recent U.S. government report.
