Algiers denies Tunisian mediation between Morocco and Algeria

Algeria denied on Monday that Tunisia is undertaking a mediation to break the ice in relations between Morocco and Algeria.

"Whenever an Arab personality visits Algiers, people start to talk about a mediation" between Morocco and Algeria, spokesman of the Algerian foreign department, Abdelaziz Sebaa, told the press.

Morocco and Algeria do have the normal diplomatic channels (to discuss bilateral relations), the spokesman of the Algerian foreign department said.

He was commenting news reports about a possible mediation conducted by former Tunisian Prime Minister, Hedi Bakkouch between Morocco and Algeria.

Bakkouch was received over the weekend by Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika to whom he handed a message from Tunisian president Zein El Abidine Ben Ali. The message deals with bilateral relations, official sources in Algiers said.

Morocco has repeatedly called for the reopening of the land borders closed since 1994 by Algeria in response to a Moroccan move to require entry visas to Algerians wishing to visit Morocco. Morocco took the measure after evidence showed that Algerian-born French nationals were behind a terrorist attack against a luxury hotel in Marrakesh (southern Morocco) where two Spanish tourists were killed.

In response to the Moroccan calls, Algeria said bilateral relations should be dealt with in a global approach, but gave no details on the approach.