Bouteflika to resign before 28 April

Muscat: Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika will resign before his term ends on 28 April, according to a statement from the presidency.

The statement added, "Prior to that date, the President will make important decisions to ensure the continuity of state institutions during the interim period."

The country's Speaker of the National Assembly will assume the role of Head of State during the transitional period, the presidency said.

On Sunday, Bouteflika appointed members of the new cabinet led by Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui.

The announcement comes after weeks of protests by a popular movement demanding regime change in the North African country.