PARIS, May 22, 2013 (AFP)
President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is recovering well in Paris and will return soon to Algeria, Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci told Radio France Internationale (RFI) on Wednesday.
Bouteflika, 76, was flown to Paris for treatment about three weeks ago following a mini-stroke and speculation has been rife about the state of his health.
French authorities said Tuesday he been transferred from the Val de Grace military hospital in Paris to a new facility "to continue his convalescence" following treatment.
"The president is in good health, he will return soon to Algeria, for the moment he is still in France for a few days of recovery," Medelci said.
Algerian authorities broke official silence on Bouteflika's health on Monday, confirming he was recovering in Paris after the mini-stroke and saying his life was "never in danger".
The secrecy surrounding his treatment in France led many in Algeria to speculate about the health of the president, who has ruled the country since 1999.
Authorities have denounced "false information" about his health and insisted Bouteflika has been keeping track of government activities.