Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika replaced the finance minister on Sunday and created a new defence post, a reshuffle that seemed aimed at reviving economic reforms, Reuters said . Finance Minister Abdelatif Benachenhou was replaced by Mourad Medelci, an economic adviser to the president and former finance minister. Abdelmalek Guenaizia was appointed to the new post of deputy minister of defence. Bouteflika is the defence minister. Guenaizia was armed forces chief of staff and member of the High Security Council. Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, Energy and Mines Minister Chakib Khelil and Interior Minister Noureddine Zerhouni remained in their powerful posts. Mohamed Bedjaoui, a veteran politician and former judge, takes over as foreign minister from Abdelaziz Belkhadem.
