Sahara Conflict: Morocco, Algeria do not need tutors to hold dialogue, FM
French Foreign minister, Michel Barnier, asserted, in ALgiers Tuesday, that "Morocco and Algeria do not need tutors to hold dialogue" for settling the Sahara dispute opposing Morocco to the Algeria-backed Polisario secessionists.
Barnier, currently on an official visit to Algeria, told a joint press conference with his Algerian peer, Abdelaziz Belkhadem, that the two Maghreban countries "do not need tutors or tutorship to hold dialogue between each other, neither with other Maghreb countries."
He added that this dialogue "will be very useful and fundamental" in the current context.
Maghreb development, stability and integration, and the implementation of a regional and structural policy "first require that a political solution be (É) found to the Sahara issue," said the French official.
The French minister pointed out that his country believes the solution to the conflict "must be approved by all parties within the framework of the United Nations."
He added that this solution can be reached through a direct dialogue between Rabat and Algeria."
On his part, the Algerian Foreign Minister reiterated his country's resolve to develop relations with Morocco.
"We are building a very good cooperation with our Moroccan brothers," he said.
Belkhadem added that the visit to be paid this year by Moroccan Premier, Driss Jettou, and Interior Minister, Al Mostapha Sahel, to Algeria "prove that we are determined to improve bilateral cooperation."
