High-ranking diplomatic source: problem of closed border between Algeria and Morocco still exists

Morocco grasped the signs launched by Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, a week ago as part of the re-opening of borders. That's why; it submitted an official demand to re-open the border between the two countries closed 14 years ago, according to a high-ranking diplomatic source.“The Moroccan demand shows a political will to settle this problem,” the same source told Echorouk.

“The Kingdom of Morocco preferred to not waist time to give an official aspect to its demand for re-opening the land border with Algeria,” said the same source.

  “The Kingdom of Morocco calls with a brotherly friendship and total sincerity for a normalisation of the bilaterla relations and the re-opening of the border between the two countries,” said a statement published by Moroccan foreign affairs ministry on Thursday.

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 The diplomat indicated the desire of Morocco to boost bilateral relationships without mentioning the Western Sahara issue at all.

Keeping the border closed did not stop smuggling,” he said

 “The current situation is an excellent atmosphere for all smuggling groups for fast gains at the expense of the two countries’ economy and development,” he added.

Asked about the Algerian respond to the Moroccan call, the diplomat said Algeria had been observing the situation and was totally convinced in the common history and destiny of the two countries.

 “However, the reasons why the border remains closed still exist. There is a need to make a decision on the right time.”  

For his part, Moroccan foreign affairs minister Tayeb El Fassi El Fahri said there are many opportunities which had not been seized by Morocco and Algeria.

“Today, we need more time than ever for coordination and economic integration to reopen the border as well as political consultations within security and non security-related risks,” he told journalists.

The Moroccan minister justified his official demand for reopening of the border by security reasons, tension and terror danger which threatens safety and stability in the region

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 On the other hand, he said his country was looking for a solution for the Western Sahara issue although “there are many Sahrawi Moroccans jailed in Tindouf on the Algerian land.”