Bouteflika speaks frankly about relations with Morocco

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Wednesday underlined the strategic importance of the region during the war of national liberation as well as in the current time.

Though he indicated that he knows well the region, and the role the Moroccan people played in the support granted to Algeria during the war of national liberation, notably by the setting up of the bases of the National Liberation Army (ALN) in Bouarfa, Boudnib and Feguig regions, the president added that the policy of good neighbouring and fraternity has no meaning if we do not find our friends in good and bad moments. The policy of good neighbouring, the president noted, is incompatible with "the double language." This type of politics is "unacceptable and does not militate for the building of the Arab Maghreb Union" the president underlined to the audience.

The president indicated "we are ready to edify exemplary relations with Morocco", and "we are aware that what we edified up to now in what we called the Arab Maghreb contains overbids".

Meanwhile, Bouteflika said the greatness of ALgeria is to be made by freedom of speech and the press thanks to the economic and scientific developments. It will also be achieved by the strong parties of the people's masses. He said the policy of civil harmony should be backed by the population in order to help the country finding again the path for peace and stability and undertaking the way to development and progress.

In addition, the president of the republic highlighted the necessity of the citizens' contribution in the struggle against this social plague, notably corruption and the saboteurs of the national economy.

Bouteflika, whose statements were quoted by the Algerian News Agency, was talking in Bechar in the south west of Algeria as part of his promotion of the coming reconciliation law.