Algerian president appoints Belkhadem PM -sources

ALGIERS, May 24 (Reuters) Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika appointed Abdelaziz Belkhadem as prime minister today, replacing outgoing premier Ahmed Ouyahia, sources said.

There was no official confirmation of the decision, but such a move was widely expected ahead of parliamentary elections next year and after Ouyahia failed to attend formal ceremonies for visiting leaders in recent days. Belkhadem served as Bouteflika's personal representative and held the rank of minister.

REUTERS SI KN2209