Algerian Radio
Senior state officials, along with a gathering of national figures and moudjahidine, paid a final tribute on Sunday afternoon at the Palais du Peuple (People's Palace) in Algiers to the remains of the former President of the Republic, the mujahid Liamine Zeroual, who passed away on Saturday following a terminal illness.
Among those who paid their final respects to the remains of the mujahid Liamine Zeroual were the President of the Council of the Nation, Mr. Azouz Nasri; the President of the National People's Assembly (APN), Mr. Brahim Boughali; the President of the Constitutional Court, Ms. Leila Aslaoui; the Prime Minister, Mr. Sifi Ghrieb; and the Director of the Cabinet of the Presidency of the Republic, Mr. Boualem Boualem. They were joined by members of the Government, who recited the Fatiha (the opening chapter of the Holy Quran) in memory of his pure soul.
Final respects were also paid by senior officers and cadres of the People's National Army (ANP), in addition to national figures, political party leaders, mujahidins, and a crowd of citizens who flocked to the Palais du Peuple to pray for the soul of the former President, the mujahid Liamine Zeroual.
Members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Algeria also paid tribute to the soul of the deceased.
The remains of the deceased had arrived earlier in the day at the Palais du Peuple, carried on the shoulders of ANP officers and draped in the national flag, to allow for a final public viewing. His body will be laid to rest tomorrow, Monday, following the Dhuhr (noon) prayer in his hometown of Batna.
The deceased, born on July 3, 1941, in the city of Batna, was distinguished by a remarkable militant journey. He joined the ranks of the National Liberation Army (ALN) at an early age in 1957 and contributed to the glorious November 1 Revolution, before continuing his path after independence within the ranks of the People's National Army, benefiting from high-level military training.
He rose through several high-ranking military responsibilities and commanded strategic training institutions, such as the Military School in Batna (1974-1975) and the Military Academy of Cherchell (1981-1982).
He also held command positions at the level of the Sixth, Third, and Fifth Military Regions before being appointed Commander of the Land Forces in 1989, making him one of the most prominent military cadres who contributed to building the People's National Army.
The late president held several positions, most notably as Head of State in 1994, before being elected President of the Republic in 1995.
The deceased was known for his balanced and modest personality, combining strictness in decision-making with calmness in dealing with crises. This was evident in his management of one of the most difficult periods Algeria went through during the 1990s.
He was also distinguished by his sovereign stances, whether in Algeria's international relations or in handling economic files, consistently ensuring the preservation of independent national decision-making.
Among the defining moments of his political career was his decision to organize early presidential elections in 1999, thereby voluntarily ending his presidential term.
After leaving power, the late president chose to return to a simple life in his hometown of Batna, away from the spotlight, in an image that reflects his humility and his unique perspective on responsibility.
