RULING ALGERIAN COUNCIL CALLS FOR REFERENDUM

The president of the Army-backed ruling council yesterday announced plans for a referendum on constitutional reforms, but indicated the vote would be held only if an anti-terrorism crackdown succeeds.

President Ali Kafi, in an address marking the first anniversary of the High State Committee's installation after a military takeover, gave no date for the planned referendum. He said that the proposed reforms which legalized multiparty politics would be aimed at creating a more equitable balance of power, but he gave few details.