President Urged to Retain His Post

Algeria’s main ruling party urged President Liamine Zeroual to rescind his decision to step down, saying the violence-torn North African country needs his leadership to end six years of civil strife. The call by the leader of the National Democratic Rally, or RND, came as the chiefs of the 11 parties represented in parliament held talks to prepare for early presidential elections, planned for February. Zeroual’s surprise decision this month to cut his term of office short by 21 months followed a power struggle with the military. Political sources said the RND appeared concerned that early elections could erode its small majority in the 380-seat parliament.