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Maghreb bloc without Morocco : Algeria tries to avoid a Libyan defection

Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf. / Ph. DR
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Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf held a press briefing on Thursday, outlining his country's viewpoint on the Tunis summit of April 22nd. He praised the conclave as «successful» and «unprecedented», emphasizing it wasn't targeted at any particular nation. Attaf reiterated that the «door to consultations remains open to all» with the necessary political will.

The Algerian diplomat underscored the «Arab Maghreb Union» as a critical historical project. He pointed out that the Maghreb region faces international concerns like the situations in Libya and the Sahel, «where all countries except the regional ones seem involved, despite being the most directly affected».

Attaf's comments echo Algeria's stance during the creation of the now-defunct Tamanrasset Coordination against terrorism in the Sahel (established in September 2010 without Morocco).

Attaf's press briefing comes after the Libyan Presidential Council President sent a written message to King Mohammed VI, just a day after participating in the Tunis summit with Algeria and Tunisia. Following talks with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Libya's ambassador to Morocco, Aboubaker Ibrahim Ataweel, commended «Morocco's active role in promoting Maghreb integration».

Eastern Libya's government, recognized by the United Nations, also seeks a stronger Arab Maghreb Union. Their Foreign Minister, Abdelhadi Lahouij, reaffirmed this stance during a visit to Morocco on April 25th in Kenitra.

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