Algeria: Conflicts with any Arab state do not serve us
Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 6/22/1999

The Algerian interior minister and his Moroccan counterpart together said at the conclusion of the West Mediterranean forum for interior ministers held in Algiers that they desire improved bilateral relations from their governments.

"Algiers wants to discuss all the problems between the two countries, and not only the question the borders and visas," Algerian interior minister said.

Meanwhile, Algerian communication and culture minister, Abdelaziz Rahabi, said it is not in Algeria's interest to be in conflict with any Arab state, especially a neighboring one.

The Algerian official told Egyptian daily Al Ahram that it was not Algeria which closed borders with Morocco but it was Morocco that did so and it was not Algeria, either, that enforced an entry visa between the two states.

Rahabi was speaking about cold relations between Morocco and Algeria after Morocco decided to require an entry visa for Algerians after evidence showed Algerian-born French nationals' involvement in an attack in 1994 against a hotel in Marrakesh that killed two Spanish tourists. Following the Moroccan decision, Algeria decided to close all land borders with Morocco.

On the Sahara issue, the Algerian minister said this issue is being handled by the United Nations Organization which is enforcing a settlement plan that has been accepted by Morocco.

The Sahara is a former Spanish colony located in southern Morocco. In 1975, Morocco retrieved this territory but an Algeria-backed separatist movement, the Polisario, is claiming the independence of this territory.

Previous Stories:
  No special problem between Algeria and Morocco, President Bouteflika says   (6/9/1999)
  Morocco renews adherence to free, transparent referendum in Sahara   (5/25/1999)
  Algiers denies Tunisian mediation between Morocco and Algeria   (5/25/1999)

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