Moroccan PM calls for better Algeria relations

Moroccan Prime Minister Abdul Rahman El-Youssefi confirmed the importance of solidarity between Morocco and Algeria, expressing his hope that the countries would establish close bilateral relations.

Algerian - Moroccan relations have recently experienced tension due to accusations by a former Algerian minister of defense, General Khaled Nezar, against Morocco at the beginning of the last month saying that Morocco is aiding the Armed Islamic Group, the group most often blamed for massacres of civilians in Algeria, by supplying weapons.

Last week, Algerian newspapers reported Moroccan elements' involvement in GIA attacks in Algeria, and this announcement lead to the escalation of tensions between Rabat and Algeria.

Meanwhile, Abdul Lattif El-Samelali, a leading member of the Constitutional Union party and the former Moroccan minister of youth, said the disputes between Morocco and Algeria are mostly unconnected to the Western Saharan problem, saying that Algeria's attitude towards Morocco is due to other issues.

He also referred to the recent statements of Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Ataff who said Algeria is only observing the plan for a peaceful settlement to the Saharan dispute.