King of Morocco renews resolve to establish exemplary relations with Algeria
Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 7/6/1999

King Hassan II of Morocco renewed resolve to establish exemplary relations between Morocco and Algeria, given the two neighboring countries' shared destiny and their role in the construction of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA).

In a message to Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on the occasion of his country's national day, the king of Morocco stressed that the Maghreban Union alone will enable the countries of the region to face the challenges of the third millennium, serve the interests of their peoples in a world of regional groupings.

The king also expressed readiness to endeavor, as part of a joint action, to meet the expectations of the two countries.

The message also praised the wisdom and perspicacity of the Algerian president.

Relations between Algeria and Morocco have been poor since 1994 after evidence showed that Algerian-born French nationals were directly involved in an armed attack against a luxury hotel in Marrakesh, killing two Spanish tourists. Morocco, subsequently, decided to impose entry visas on Algeria, which replied by closing down land borders with Morocco. Relations also soured due to Algeria's direct backing for a separatist group that claims the independence of Morocco's southern provinces which were liberated from Spanish colonization in 1975.

Recent developments in the region, mainly the election of a new president in Algeria, have heralded signs for a possible normalization of relations. Both states are member of the Arab Maghreb Union, which also includes Libya, Mauritania and Tunisia.

Previous Stories:
  Algeria welcomes Moroccan renowned singer   (7/3/1999)
  Algerian - Moroccan borders to opened in August   (6/25/1999)
  Algerian president wishes Moroccan premier prompt recovery   (6/24/1999)

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