Sellal says Algiers is ready to settle its differences with neighbouring Morocco but Moroccan politicians say his words must be backed by deeds.
Casablanca – Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal said Algiers was ready to settle its differences with neighbouring Morocco but Moroccan analysts and politicians said his words must be backed by deeds.
“Morocco is a neighbouring and brotherly country. We have some outstanding disagreements. There is a divergence of vision. In Algeria, we prefer a global approach and a direct dialogue to resolve all issues, especially when it comes to specific issues and our country is ready to settle them in a serious and peaceful manner,” Sellal said in an interview with the Arab daily Asharq al- Awsat.
A Moroccan official source, who requested anonymity, told The Arab Weekly that Morocco had always wanted to mend ties with Algeria.
“Algiers has to walk the walk. Its goodwill to settle its differences with Rabat is a good thing but must be backed by concrete acts and positive signs,” said the source.
Sellal’s interview with the London-based Saudi newspaper came days before his visit to Saudi Arabia, a staunch ally of Morocco.
Nabil Adel, director of the Research Institute of Geopolitics and Geo-economics at ESCA School of Management in Casablanca, said he was not surprised by Sellal’s declaration “which is not something new”.
