Algerian President Bouteflika ‘progressing well’ after stroke

After suffering a "mini-stroke," Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is "progressing well," a doctor told state news Algerian Press Service on Sunday.

Rachid Bougherbal, Director of Algeria's National Sports Medicine Centre, said Bouteflika, 76, "did not suffer irreversible damage," adding that "no sensory function was impaired."

Bougherbal said Bouteflika had suffered a "transient ischaemia," a blood flow blockage that "did not last long."

Citing Algerian state news, the BBC reports Bouteflika is recovering at the Val de Grace military hospital in Paris. However, the news outlet was skeptical of the state report.

A leaked 2011 US cable suggested the president had traveled to Paris in the past while suffering from cancer, though the disease was in remission.  

"An initial investigation has already been opened and his Excellency the president of the republic must observe a period of rest to undergo tests," Bougherbal said.

Bouteflika is serving his third time as president, and as Reuters notes, will unlikely to add a fourth term to his tenure. Elections are set for 2014.