Sellal excludes the possibility of opening Algeria’s borders with Morocco

Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal Friday said Algeria wants a direct dialogue with Morocco to solve bilateral problems including closed borders issue. He hailed what he described as strong relations between Algiers and Riyadh, saying “We look forward to promote Algerian-Saudi cooperation to strategic partnership level.”

Sellal told Saudi Arabia’s Middle East newspaper in an interview that Algeria prefers a comprehensive approach to tackle issues through a direct dialogue. “Our nation is completely ready to settle issues in a serious and peaceful way.”

He excluded the possibility of opening closed land borders between the two countries, saying “I remind that closing borders came in response to the Moroccan authorities’ decision to impose visa on Algerian nationals.”

“It is known that international relations are controlled by good neighbourhood principle. The Western Sahara issue is handled by the UN and it undergoes a political process based on self-determination right. My nation supports this process and hopes that talks come up with a final and fair solution for this conflict,” he added.

 Sellal is expected to visit Riyadh this month. Earlier, President’s Advisor Tayeb Belaiz paid a visit to the country.

Speaking about politics, Sellal denounced prejudices made by opposition parties about elections transparency. “What I know is that parties may reject previous elections results but being sceptic about a vote which has not taken place yet is something new. This is an opportunity to introduce the Independent National Commission in charge of Surveillance Elections. It was established by the Constitution. This commission was requested by politicians in Algeria without exception,” he said.

He added that “no one goes to jail in Algeria because of his opinion. Prison is a judicial decision not controlled by the government.”