Algeria: prime minister says president is 'constantly improving'

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, hospitalized in Paris since last week after reportedly suffering gastrointestinal problems, is "constantly improving," the prime minister said Saturday, assuring the public that authorities have nothing to hide.

"I can confirm what I say last Thursday, that the state of health of ... the president is constantly improving and that his health is far from being a source of concern of any kind," Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia said on national radio.

Since Bouteflika, 68, was admitted to Val de Grace military hospital in Paris a week ago, rumors have circulated about the state of his health. In reply to the rumors, the prime minister assured "that officials have no reason to hide anything about the health of the president."

French authorities have issued no information, in keeping with a medical secrecy law, and Algerian authorities have provided no detailed account of Bouteflika's ailment. The prime minister referred again to "gastric troubles" but went no further, reported AP. P.T.