ALGIERS — Algeria’s newly-appointed prime minister has started talks to form a new government, the state news agency reported on Sunday, in a move designed to appease protesters demanding President Abdel Aziz Bouteflika and his inner circle step down.

The new Cabinet will include experts without political affiliation and will “reflect the demographics of the Algerian society”, APS quoted an official source as saying.

Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui is unlikely to defuse anger on the streets by kicking off talks on a new administration.

Algerians who have been demonstrating for over three weeks have rejected overtures by Bouteflika, who has reversed a decision to stand for another term after 20 years in power.

He stopped short of relinquishing office and said he would stay on until a new constitution is adopted, effectively extending his current term.

Protesters have made it clear they want a whole new generation of leaders and are likely to see the formation of a new government as a ruse.

On Friday, hundreds of thousands of protesters staged the biggest demonstration since the unrest began. Some carried banners saying “no to Bedoui”.

Morocco FM: We don’t

intervene in Algeria

Morocco has confirmed Saturday its non-interference stance in Algeria’s internal affairs in light of demonstrations that have been taking place in the country since Feb. 22, according to Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita.

“The Kingdom of Morocco has decided not to interfere in recent developments in Algeria and not to comment on the matter,” Bourita told AFP.

The Moroccan government has not commented on developments in Algeria since the beginning of the demonstrations rejecting the candidacy of President Bouteflika for a fifth term.

Its official government spokesman, Mustafa Al-Khaliji, refused Thursday to answer any question on the subject during his weekly meeting with the press.

Tension has strained diplomatic relations between Rabat and Algeria for decades over the Sahara issue.

In November, Moroccan King Mohammed VI called on parties to find “a common political mechanism for dialogue and consultation” between Morocco and Algeria in order to improve and normalize bilateral relations. However, he didn’t receive any response from Algeria in this regard. — Agencies