UAE says it succeeded in appeasing Moroccan-Algerian tensions
United Arab Emirates-Maghreb, Politics, 10/20/1999

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said it has succeeded in appeasing tensions between Morocco and Algeria.

The UAE has succeeded in appeasing tensions between Morocco and Algeria thanks to the solid ties that bind UAE President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan to King Mohammed VI and to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria, UAE Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Hamad Ibn Zayed Al-Nahyane, told the London-based Al-Quds Al-Arabi daily.

The UAE foreign minister, who said Abu Dhabi closely follows the developments between Morocco and Algeria, added, "The mission entrusted to me by his highness the president was crowned with success."

"We have managed to appease tensions between the two brother countries thanks to the solid ties binding President Zayed to King Mohammed VI and President Bouteflika," he said.

Sheikh Hamad disclosed that President Bouteflika called on Sheikh Zayed in Geneva to inform him of the situation and of the need to appease the tension.

Sheikh Hamad also hailed the recent tour made by Saudi heir-apparent to Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia to bring together Rabat and Algiers.

"We strongly back the Saudi initiative, led by Prince Abdullah, because we share the same concern and aspire to the same objectives," he said.

The UAE foreign minister stressed the "keen interest" his country has in relations among Maghreb countries.

"We grant a keen interest to the Arab Maghreb region and we react to events, be they positive or adverse, that our brothers in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia live," said Sheikh Hamad.

"We wish that all our brothers in the Maghreb will lay down the foundations for economic cooperation within an atmosphere of stability and security, without which their will be no investment nor development," he stated.

Morocco has been at loggerheads with Algeria because of Algiers' direct involvement in the Sahara issue. Problems between the two neighbors have so far braked the smooth evolution of the Arab Maghreb Union, set up by Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia in 1989.

Previous Stories:
  Youssoufi: Morocco wants to live in peace with Algeria   (10/18/1999)
  Istiqlal Party calls Algerian leaders to adopt new policy for better relations with Morocco   (10/7/1999)
  Bouteflika sends message of regret to Moroccan king   (10/4/1999)

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