Moroccan stubbornness caused deadlock in the region, says former minister

Algeria’s former communication minister Mahieddine Amimour criticized the analytical approach of former minister of Algerians living abroad Halim Benattallah. He said that the former Algerian diplomat’s vision does not reflect a clear position about the Western Sahara issue.

“What has been recently published by an Algerian diplomat makes me understand why Algeria suffered from diplomatic failures,” said Amimour.

Halim Benattallah published an analytical article on a newspaper about the Western Sahara issue.

“Benttallah wants a solution away from the UN decisions. Direct talks between the Moroccan regime and the Sahrawi commandment failed because Morocco was stubborn,” said Amimour.

“One day, I said autonomy was a brave proposition although I know it came following US pressure. I wish it would be added with the other first propositions: either to belong to the country or to be totally independent. A popular transparent referendum would be held after a clear dialogue with Sahrawi commanders,” he added.

Amimour believes that Moroccan stubbornness is the main reason behind the deadlock in the crisis.

He agrees with Benattallah about the reopening of Algeria’s borders with Morocco as part of a comprehensive agreement.