- Title: Some Algerians voice support for decision to cut diplomatic ties with Morocco
- Date: 25th August 2021
- Summary: ALGIERS, ALGERIA (AUGUST 25, 2021) (REUTERS) VEHICLES DRIVING DOWNTOWN / PEOPLE WALKING VARIOUS OF PEOPLE WALKING IN STREET MEN LOOKING AT NEWSPAPER STAND MAN PICKING UP NEWSPAPER AND CHECKING IT VARIOUS OF MEN LOOKING AT NEWSPAPERS' HEADLINES ON RECENT DECISION TO CUT DIPLOMATIC TIES WITH MOROCCO (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) ALGERIAN CITIZEN, YOUCEF, SAYING: "Their hostility toward Algeria has increased, so Algeria had to take this decision. However, people shouldn't think about foreign enemies, we have to work on the prosperity of our country. We have to work together and fix internal issues then think about foreign affairs."
- Embargoed: 8th September 2021 15:00
- Keywords: Algeria Morocco diplomatic ties
- Location: ALGIERS, ALGERIA
- City: ALGIERS, ALGERIA
- Country: Algeria
- Topics: Africa,Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA001ERS3RYF
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Some Algerian said they support a government deception to cut diplomatic relations with Morocco on Wednesday (August 25), a day after Algerian Foreign Minister Ramdane Lamamra accused his country's neighbour of "hostile actions."
Speaking at a news conference in Algiers, Lamamra accused Morocco of using Pegasus spyware against its officials, supporting a separatist group and failing in bilateral commitments, including on the Western Sahara issue.
Morocco's Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on social media that it regretted what it called an unjustified decision and said it would remain a "credible and loyal partner" to the Algerian people.
Reading the morning newspaper headlines, Algerian citizen Youcef sees the decision a necessary step in response to what he described as Morocco's increased hostilities.
While the border between the two North African powers has been closed since 1994, diplomatic relations have not been broken since they were restored in 1988 following an earlier dispute.
Morocco has said for years it wants the border to reopen. Algeria has said it must stay shut for security reasons.
Last week Algeria said lethal wildfires were the work of two groups it has labelled terrorists, including the MAK group which seeks independence for the Kabylie region and which Algeria said was backed by Morocco, without presenting evidence.
Algeria recalled its ambassador last month after a Moroccan diplomat in New York called for the Kabylie people to have the right of self-determination.
Morocco offered to send help to combat the fires, but there was no public response from Algeria.
Relations have deteriorated since last year, when the Western Sahara issue flared up after years of comparative quiet. Morocco regards the disputed territory as its own. Algeria backs the Polisario independence movement.
(Production: Abdelaziz Boumzar, Thawab Herzallah) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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