Ex-president seeks forgiveness from Algerians facing new era

Algeria's Constitutional Council formalised President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's departure Wednesday from the office he held for two decades, as rattled international partners watched closely to see what's next for an energy-rich country that is a key player in fighting terrorism.

Bouteflika himself asked the Algerians people for forgiveness the day after he stepped down following weeks of protests and the loss of the army's support.

He urged citizens in a farewell letter "to stay united, and never divide yourselves."
Bouteflika himself asked for forgiveness from his compatriots after stepping down in the wake of mass protests, and urged them in a farewell letter "to stay united, and never divide yourselves."
In the public farewell letter released Wednesday by state news agency APS, Bouteflika acknowledged that some of his actions as president were less than successful, writing: "I ask your forgiveness for any failing toward you."
But he also said, "I am leaving the political scene without sadness or fear, for the future of our country."