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Algeria Is Determined to Defeat Rebels, Premier Says

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<i> From Reuters</i>

Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, presenting his government’s program to the National People’s Assembly, said Saturday that the state is determined to defeat Muslim guerrillas and promised fair local elections in October.

Ouyahia said that government forces, backed by an ever-increasing number of Algerians opposed to Muslim militants, now have the upper hand against the guerrillas, who have been fighting the government since 1992.

About 700 civilians have been killed in a series of massacres and attacks blamed by the authorities on Muslim rebels since June 5.

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In the Oct. 23 elections, voters will choose officials to run Algeria’s 48 cities and 1,500 towns and villages.

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