Algeria to reconsider relations with Morocco after 'hostile acts'

Algeria yesterday announced its intention to reconsider relations with Morocco due to “repeated hostile acts” by Rabat.

Authorities said that “the repeated hostile actions by Morocco against Algeria [necessitate] reviewing relations between the two countries.”

In a statement they accused Morocco of practicing “continuous hostile acts” practiced by Morocco and its ally, Israel, against Algeria.

It was not immediately possible to obtain a comment from Morocco.

On Sunday, the Algerian Foreign Ministry criticised statements made by Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid during his visit to Morocco last week.

READ: Morocco dragging Israel into dangerous adventure against Algeria, Algeria FM says 

The ministry considered that it reflects the “hidden desire” of the Moroccan Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, “to drag his new Middle Eastern ally [Israel] into a dangerous adventure directed against Algeria, its values and its principled positions.”

Lapid expressed Israel’s concern about what he said was Algeria’s role in the region and its great rapprochement with Tel Aviv’s regional archenemy, Iran.

He attacked Algeria for launching a campaign, with the help of other Arab countries, against the decision of the African Union (AU) to grant Tel Aviv observer status.

Relations between Algeria and Morocco have been sour since 1975 when Rabat’s conflict with the Algeria-backed separatist Polisario group over the Western Sahara began.

Rabat insists on its right to govern the region but proposed autonomous rule in the Western Sahara under its sovereignty, but the Polisario Front wants a referendum to let the people determine the future of the region. Algeria has been supporting the Front’s proposal and hosts refugees from the region.