Reports from Algeria say some fifty armed Islamic militants have given themselves up to the authorities in Jijel province in the east of the country.

There's been no independent confirmation of the reports.

The militants, who are said to be part of the Armed Islamic Group, the GIA, are presumed to be taking advantage of a recent law which offers a partial amnesty for those who surrender before next January.

That legislation is part of moves initiated by President Bouteflika to end violence in the country.

Algerians are due to vote next week in a referendum on Mr Bouteflika's initiatives. Critics of the president in the legal opposition have already dismissed the referendum as a charade.

They say the referendum is tailored to help Mr Bouteflika reply to the charge that his mandate comes from the army rather than the people.