Sahrawi NGO: Algeria is party in Sahara conflict
Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 10/1/2004

Algeria is a "party" in the artificial conflict over the Moroccan Sahara because it hosts the Polisario secessionists and backs them financially and diplomatically, said spokesman of the Association of Saharawi tribes in Europe, Lahcen Mahraoui.

Mahraoui made this statement in response to Algeria's continuous denial of involvement in the Sahara conflict that opposes Morocco to the Polisario separatist group, which is claiming the secession of Moroccan southern provinces, known as the Sahara. Morocco retrieved this territory, previously occupied by Spain, in 1975 under accords with Madrid and Nouakchott.

In a statement, Wednesday, to the Moroccan radio "RTM," Mahraoui said "Moroccans sequestered in Tindouf camps and all countries of the Maghreb bear the costs of the Algerian government's behaviour."

Over 400 Moroccans POWs are still held captive by the Polisario separatists in the Algerian territory. Some international organizations have described them as the longest-serving prisoners of war in the world.

Evoking the memo Morocco addressed last week to the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Mahraoui said the kingdom's move is timely "because all Moroccan initiatives to cool down the situation were met by a strange and accusing behaviour from Algiers."

Mahraoui said Algeria's "accusing Morocco of colonizing the Sahara is completely absurd because the history of the country cannot be denied, neither the history of Sahrawi tribes and their unshakable links with the Moroccan monarchy."

"Algeria has made a dangerous step" with this accusation, he pointed out, saying it is important to respond to Algiers' accusations through historical facts.

In its memo to the UN Secretary General, Morocco criticized Algeria for hindering the "completion of its territorial integrity" and accused it of "delaying a political, consensual and lasting solution" to the Sahara dispute.

Morocco accused Algeria for direct involvement in the conflict and for "tutorship" on the Polisario.

Previous Stories:
  Moroccan memo To UN SG aims to cast light on Algeria direct responsibility in Sahara dossier, official   (9/30/2004)
  Sahara issue: Algerian General calls for settlement through large autonomy   (9/29/2004)
  Bonds of allegiance between Sahrawi tribes and Moroccan monarchy flawless, NGO   (9/29/2004)

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