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Algeria energy boss 'faces probe' Algeria energy boss 'faces probe'
(about 3 hours later)
Anti-corruption officials have begun investigating the chief executive of Algeria's state-owned energy giant Sonatrach, reports say.Anti-corruption officials have begun investigating the chief executive of Algeria's state-owned energy giant Sonatrach, reports say.
Mohamed Meziane has reportedly been suspended amid the allegations and other company officials questioned.Mohamed Meziane has reportedly been suspended amid the allegations and other company officials questioned.
El Watan newspaper said the claims concerned company tenders for consultancy and security contracts.El Watan newspaper said the claims concerned company tenders for consultancy and security contracts.
Neither the Energy Ministry nor the firm, a leading supplier of gas to Europe, have commented on the reports.Neither the Energy Ministry nor the firm, a leading supplier of gas to Europe, have commented on the reports.
Industry sources told journalists that Sonatrach had appointed Vice-President Abdelhafid Feghouli as a stand-in chief executive.Industry sources told journalists that Sonatrach had appointed Vice-President Abdelhafid Feghouli as a stand-in chief executive.
BBC North Africa correspondent Rana Jawad says that appointment suggests Algiers is taking the matter seriously and is wary of causing any disruptions in its vast oil and gas operations.
One of the company's former bosses told Reuters news agency the investigation was a "real earthquake".One of the company's former bosses told Reuters news agency the investigation was a "real earthquake".
"There is a risk that its reputation will be affected," said Abdelmajid Attar."There is a risk that its reputation will be affected," said Abdelmajid Attar.
"But regarding the business, I'm not expecting any major delays. Never forget that Sonatrach is Algeria's main source of income," he said."But regarding the business, I'm not expecting any major delays. Never forget that Sonatrach is Algeria's main source of income," he said.
Gas exports make up almost one-third of Algeria's GDP.Gas exports make up almost one-third of Algeria's GDP.