Belgium's King Albert II 'to abdicate'

BRUSSELS. July 3. KAZINFORM The King of the Belgians, Albert II, is going to address the nation amid reports he is going to abdicate.

Belgian state TV reported that the 79-year-old monarch would make an announcement on all of the major networks at 17:00 BST.

His son, Crown Prince Philippe, 53, is next in line to the throne.

During Belgium's political deadlock in 2010-11, the king - who is due to mark 20 years on the throne next month - took on the role of mediator, Kazinform quotes BBC News.

King Albert met the Belgian government's cabinet earlier on Wednesday to inform them of his decision, Belgian state TV reported.

Following the king's announcement, Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo will address the nation.