Algeria strongly weighing in Sahara issue, Algerian journalist

"Algeria strongly weighs in the Sahara issue" writes an Algerian journalist-author in a book titled "un regard calme sur l'Algerie" (a quiet look at Algeria) published last February.

Unlike assertions by Algerian authorities, Akram Belkaid writes Algeria is indeed strongly weighing in the Sahara issue.

He also writes that "it is thanks to Algeria that the Sahara republic, self-proclaimed by the polisario separatists, was admitted as member of the Organization of African Unity.

He also stresses that Algeria should stop playing with words by hiding behind international legality. As an actor in this protracted crisis, it should recognize (its role) and endeavor for a negotiated solution, he goes on insisting that a broad autonomy (of the Sahara) under Moroccan sovereignty would be the best solution for the whole region.

Algeria has been denying playing any role in the Sahara issue, while actually it is providing military, political and diplomatic support to the Polisario movement. This latter is claiming the separation from the rest of the kingdom of Moroccan southern provinces, the Sahara, which was retrieved by Morocco in 1975 under the Madrid accords, with Spain, the former colonial power.

"If our country is not part of this conflict, so why are Moroccan soldiers detained in the Tindouf camps (southern Algeria)? Why are they still held?," he wonders stressing that Moroccans are not wrong when they speak about 'Algerisario'.

The author also notes how the Algerian people does not at all identify with the issue that poisons relations between Algiers and Rabat, stressing that "it is not the Algerian people that asks its leaders to complicate the life of Moroccans by backing the Polisario.

"It is high time our two countries played their part as a regional locomotive. Our stature will, thus, be respected by our partners in the north," the journalist further contends.