Progress in Moroccan-Algerian talks on Sahara issue, U.S. ambassador

U.S. ambassador to Rabat, Thomas Riley, said there was progress in Moroccan-Algerian talks over the Sahara issue.

The conflict is opposing Morocco to the Algeria-backed separatists, who claim secession of Morocco's southern provinces, previously known as the Western Sahara. The former Spanish colony was retrieved by Morocco in 1975 under the Madrid accords signed with Spain and Mauritania.

Riley, who was interviewed by the national radio 'RTM Chaine Inter', stressed the importance of keeping up the dialogue between Morocco and Algeria to work out a settlement to the issue, which, he added, was raised by King Mohammed VI and president George W. Bush, during the sovereign's recent visit to the United States.

If Morocco and Algeria reach an agreement, it will be a good start. Even the UN and other concerned parties can contribute to resolving the question, he said, hoping that these contacts will be the prelude to settlement.

Despite their political, military, financial and logistic support to the Polisario, Algerian authorities keep on denying any involvement in this dispute, brushing aside calls for direct dialogue with Morocco.

Thomas Riley hailed the monarch's latest visit to the United States, saying it was a new opportunity to consolidate bilateral economic and political ties. He also praised the progress made by Morocco especially concerning women's rights.

He voiced satisfaction with the signing of the Moroccan-U.S. free trade agreement, the first to be concluded by Washington with an African country, and the second with an Arab one. For Riley, the deal will contribute to the kingdom's economic growth.

The U.S. diplomat also voiced readiness to make Morocco benefit from his experience, as a businessman, in enforcing the FTA.

Touching on U.S. presidential elections, Riley said whatever their outcome, there will be no big difference in U.S. international policy, particularly vis-a-vis Morocco.