Algeria vows to pursue reconciliation peace push

Algiers: Algeria will not scrap a national reconciliation policy aimed at ending 16 years of violence, despite continuing attacks by armed Islamist groups, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said on Saturday.

Bouteflika appealed to young rebel recruits to disarm and embrace a process he said was aimed at ending discord among the north African country's citizens.

"I appeal to these lost youths to come to their senses and come back to their families and their country," Bouteflika said in remarks carried by the state news agency APS.

"The state will not hesitate to face with strength and vigour the remnants of criminality and terrorism," he said rule.

"Equally, let them know the door of forgiveness will never close for the youths—children of this generous soil—who show a sincere desire to repent."

Al Qaida's north Africa wing has claimed responsibility for a series of suicide bombings in and around Algiers over the past year.

More than 150,000 people have been killed in the bloodshed.