Algeria calls for inter-Maghreban coordination, upbeat as to future of relations with Morocco
Algeria-Maghreb, Politics, 5/9/2001

Algeria on Tuesday called for more coordination among the five members of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) to consolidate their negotiating position with the European Union.

"The more UMA countries coordinate their action, the stronger their position will be in negotiations with the European Union," Algerian foreign minister, Abdelaziz Belkhadem, told the press in Rabat.

UMA was set up in 1989 by Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Mauritania. However, inter-Maghreban problems have so far prevented the Union to emerge as a homogenous and full-fledged regional grouping.

In the absence of such a coordination, Morocco and Tunisia concluded separate association accords with the European Union, while Algeria is still negotiating a similar agreement.

The Algerian minister, who is in Morocco to take part in a meeting on the setting up of free trade area between Arab-Mediterranean countries, said "convergence of viewpoints among Maghreban countries will help better defend joint interests."

In another statement, Belkhadem said he was upbeat as to the "promising" future of relations between Morocco Algeria.

Strained relations between Rabat and Algeria, especially the Moroccan Sahara issue, contributed largely to the inaction of the Maghreban Union.

Algeria diplomatically and logistically backs the Polisario separatists group, which claims sovereignty over the Moroccan southern provinces. The separatist group is sheltered in Algeria's south-western area of Tindouf.

Belkhadem said contacts are under way between Morocco and Algeria to overcome all problems. "We are conducting consultations with our Moroccan brothers, because we are keen on establishing bilateral relations in view of the bonds binding the Moroccan and Algerian peoples," he said.

Belkhadem also touched on the Sahara issue, saying "there is a difference, in this connection." "Morocco has its position and Algeria has its own. We see this issue part of the United Nations settlement Plan," he said.

Previous Stories:
  UMA Foreign Ministers Council Opens in Algiers   (3/19/2001)
  Arab Maghreb Union foreign ministers meet in Algiers this March 19   (3/14/2001)
  Algerian ambassador hopes obstacles hindering UMA will be lowered   (2/21/2001)

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