Morocco received no official response on reconciliation with Algeria

The Moroccan government has so far received no official response from Algeria regarding the re-opening of the land borders, closed four years ago, the government spokesman, Khalid Alioua, said.

Moroccan Prime Minister repeatedly called on Algeria to re-open the borders closed down in 1994 following a terrorist attack against a luxury hotel in the Moroccan southern city of Marrakesh. Two Spanish tourists were killed in the attack, perpetrated by Algerian-born French nationals.

Last week, Youssoufi said Morocco's call on "our Algerian brethren" to reopen the borders is still valid, as it will help settle "social and human" problems facing the population living in the border areas.

Relations between the two Maghreban countries strained due to Algeria's direct involvement in the Sahara issue and after a 1994 terrorist attack.

Subsequently, Morocco imposed entry visas for Algerians wishing to visit the Kingdom, while Algeria retaliated by closing land borders with Morocco.

In response to the Moroccan government initiatives, the Algerians said bilateral relations must be addressed in a "global approach."