ALGIERS 2 Apr (ANA) - The president will take "steps to ensure state institutions continue to function during the transition period...[the] resignation would occur before April 28, 2019", a statement from his office says, AFP news agency reports.

 

Protests broke out in February after the ailing 82-year-old, who has been in office for 20 years, announced plans that he would run for a fifth term.

 

He has made few public appearances after suffering a stroke in 2013.

 

Following the unrelenting public pressure, he said he would no longer seek re-election.

 

He also postponed the elections but did not give a new date, prompting critics to say he was extending his time in office.

 

Over the weekend, Mr Bouteflika announced a major cabinet reshuffle.

 

State TV reported that 21 of the country's 27 ministers had been replaced.(ANA)

FA/ANA/2 April 2019-------