Abdelaziz Belkhadem has told Arabstoday he feels betrayed by close associates Former Secretary-General of Algeria\'s National Liberation Front (FLN), Abdelaziz Belkhadem has hailed his reign as \"full of achievements,\" pointing to results of the Algerian legislative elections as evidence of his track record.
In an exclusive interview with Arabstoday, Belkhadem accused his associates of \"treachery and upsetting the balance of power in favour of reformists.\" He also denied reports that he intends to leave Algeria for permanent residency in Saudi Arabia.
Belkhadem, who was relieved of his duties by the Central Committee of Algeria\'s ruling party, accused reformists of \"taking advantage of the absence of members of the Central Committee to coup on him and demand his resignation before the end of the session\"
He said that although his supporters want to know whether he will run for his previous post, his main concern is to continue his political struggle as a member of the Central Committee and prevent those who want to rule the party to achieve \"personal goals.\"
Belkhadem stressed that he left the position of Secretary-General with his head held high because of three key reasons. Firstly, because he was not defeated by his rivals, but rather betrayed by his close associates. Secondly because he allowed democracy to flourish within FLN, and thirdly because the party during his rule, the party was able to sweep parliament in the legislative elections. \"These results were unprecedented,\" he said.
The former Secretary-General of FLN denied reports published in some Algerian newspapers that he has decided to travel to the Gulf and reside there. \"I will fight inside the Central Committee to block the opportunists who do not recognise any principles, except for wanting to achieve their personal interests.\"
In response to the view that his days as FLN Secretary-General were numbered once Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika changed his stance towards him, Belkhadem explained that, \"President Bouteflika chose to keep silent because he was convinced that the conflict is not a conflict of objectives and principles but a conflict between parties.\"