Algeria accuses Morocco of hindering Maghreb integration

The Algerian Minister of Communication Ammar Belhimer, also spokesperson for the government, is blaming the failure of the Maghreb Arab Union project on Morocco. «Morocco's stubbornness to condition the building of the Arab Maghreb Union on Algeria’s support for decolonization in Western Sahara is what led to this impasse», he claimed.

For the record, King Mohammed VI invited, in his speech of November 6, 2018, the Algerian authorities to create a «joint mechanism for dialogue and consultation (...) to overcome the economic disputes and objectives that hinder the development of our relationships».

He also affirmed that «Morocco is open to possible proposals and initiatives from Algeria» to boost ties between the two neighboring countries. However, this call was ignored by Algeria.

Ammar Belhimer's accusations come as the Maghreb commemorated the 63 th anniversary of the Tangier Conference held between the 27 and 30 April 1958, with the participation of the Istiqlal (Morocco), the National Liberation Front (Algeria) and Néo-Destour (Tunisia).