Algeria lifts state of emergency

ALGIERS, Algeria, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has lifted his country's 19-year state of emergency, officials said.

The suspension has been a key demand of anti-government protesters and the military now has limited powers involving domestic security issues, the BBC reported.

The decision to lift the emergency rule had been announced days earlier and became official after a statement was published in the country's official gazette.

The military will now only have limited powers to get involved with domestic security issues.

Algeria is one of a number of North African nations where citizens have demonstrated for more liberties.