Algerian peace initiative falters

Algiers - President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's attempt to bring peace to Algeria was at a crossroads yesterday after the hardline…

Algiers - President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's attempt to bring peace to Algeria was at a crossroads yesterday after the hardline Armed Islamic Group refused to surrender and take up his amnesty offer, which expired at midnight.

Seeking an end to the violence that has claimed 100,000 lives since 1992, Mr Bouteflika announced a six-month amnesty deal last July.