Algerian President Returns Home After Treatment in France

A handout picture released by Algerian Press Service (APS) news agency on July 16, 2013 shows Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika attending a meeting with political and military figures following his arrival in Algeria at Boufarik military airport, s

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has returned home after nearly three months in a Paris hospital.

The Algerian leader was taken to France in late April after suffering what officials described as a "minor stroke" but which many analysts believe was a more serious ailment.

The president's office says Mr. Bouteflika returned to Algiers on Tuesday after completing what it called a "period of care and functional rehabilitation" in France.

The statement, carried by Algeria's state news agency, says the 76-year-old president will now pursue "a period of rest and recovery."

It made no mention of the president's current condition.

Mr. Bouteflika has led Algeria since 1999. His absence caused concern in the North African country, where al-Qaida-linked militant groups are known to be active.

Algeria is one of Europe's top suppliers of natural gas and cooperates with Western nations in fighting Islamist militancy.