Zeroual, Lamine (1941– )

Algerian politician and soldier, president 1994–99. He was brought into government in 1993 as defence minister, and the following year became commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Appointed president at a time of increasing civil strife, he initially attempted dialogue and reconciliation with imprisoned Islamic fundamentalist leaders. After this failed, Zeroual increasingly resorted to military tactics to counter the unrest. Following his victory in a direct presidential election in November 1995, he attempted to reopen dialogue with the outlawed Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), and in September 1996 announced plans for constitutional changes allowing for multiparty politics. During 1997 the weekly civilian death toll from the civil war approached 200.