Algeria’s Tebboune Makes 1st Appearance Since Hospitalization

An image grab taken from a video published on the personal twitter account of Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on December 13, 2020 shows him delivering a speech to a camera next to an Algerian flag. (Photo by - / AFP)
An image grab taken from a video published on the personal twitter account of Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on December 13, 2020 shows him delivering a speech to a camera next to an Algerian flag. (Photo by - / AFP)
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Algeria’s Tebboune Makes 1st Appearance Since Hospitalization

An image grab taken from a video published on the personal twitter account of Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on December 13, 2020 shows him delivering a speech to a camera next to an Algerian flag. (Photo by - / AFP)
An image grab taken from a video published on the personal twitter account of Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on December 13, 2020 shows him delivering a speech to a camera next to an Algerian flag. (Photo by - / AFP)

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Sunday made his first appearance since he was flown to a hospital in Germany 47 days ago after testing positive for the coronavirus, saying he will be back home soon.

Tebboune, 75, who appeared in a video on Twitter and a broadcast on state television, said he is expected to make a complete recovery within three weeks at the latest.

"I'm recovering...I will recover my physical capacities in a week, two weeks or three weeks," he said. "We will soon be in the country to continue building a new Algeria.”

The president’s office issued a statement on Nov. 30 saying Tebboune had left a “specialized” medical facility, was continuing his convalescence and should be returning home “in the coming days.”

The absence of the head of state, who also serves as defense chief, recalled the long absences of his predecessor, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, for treatment in France of a stroke in 2013 and later in Switzerland for numerous medical check-ups, with lots of speculation and little information on his whereabouts or health.

Bouteflika rarely appeared in public but kept ruling. He was forced to abandon his bid for a fifth term last year before being pushed from office under pressure from street protests and the powerful army.

Tebboune left for Germany Oct. 28.

Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad has been in charge during Tebboune’s absence.



Syrian Defense Ministry to Restructure Army with Volunteer Force

The Syrian Defense Ministry holds meetings for faction integration. (Defense Ministry)
The Syrian Defense Ministry holds meetings for faction integration. (Defense Ministry)
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Syrian Defense Ministry to Restructure Army with Volunteer Force

The Syrian Defense Ministry holds meetings for faction integration. (Defense Ministry)
The Syrian Defense Ministry holds meetings for faction integration. (Defense Ministry)

Syria’s Defense Ministry has been holding meetings with military leaders to integrate factions into its structure. Sources say the ministry is focused on creating a volunteer army, replacing mandatory conscription.

The move follows an agreement between Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Ali Nour El-Din Al-Naasan, and most Syrian factions to restructure the Ministry of Defense.

Sources told Syria’s Al-Watan newspaper on Monday that officers from the “Free Syrian Army,” who defected from the former regime's military, will have a special status within the Ministry of Defense structure to leverage their expertise.

Syrian media reported that the ministry rejected proposals granting sectarian, religious, or regional privileges to armed factions. It also reached an agreement with National Army factions in northern Syria on joining the military.

The ministry noted that most factions from Sweida were willing to join a national army without regional quotas. However, some factions in Daraa suggested a special regional status for themselves.

Syria’s General Security Directorate announced on Sunday the release of a group of detainees in Homs, central Syria.

A source in the Homs security department said the detainees were released after confirming they did not possess weapons and had promised not to act against the new Syrian administration. They are required to appear when summoned if needed.

The source added that more detainees would be released once the necessary procedures are completed. The General Security Directorate continues efforts to maintain stability in the Homs province.

The Ministry of Interior, working with Syria's military operations, had launched a large-scale operation in Homs to find “war criminals and those involved in crimes” who refused to surrender weapons or attend reconciliation centers.