The Algerian president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, has said that some six-thousand Islamic militants have surrendered under the terms of an amnesty that expired two weeks ago.

Rebels who gave up their arms, and who were not guilty of rape, murder or bombings were offered a partial amnesty from prosecution.

It's the cornerstone of the president's plan to end the eight-year civil conflict, in which more than one-hundred thousand people have been killed.

Algerian state radio said that the file on the the Islamic Salvation Army has been closed for good, following the surrender of all its members.

The more militant GIA has not accepted the peace plan.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service