Algeria downplays role in Western Sahara talks in Madrid

Algeria has finally addressed its involvement in the Western Sahara talks held on February 8 and 9 at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid. Yet, Algerian authorities appear eager to downplay the importance of their participation.

«The portrayal by Moroccan media of these direct negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front, under the auspices of the United Nations and the United States, does not accurately reflect the reality of the discussions», an anonymous source close to the matter informed TSA.

«Algeria, like Mauritania, only assumes an observer role in these talks due to their status as neighboring countries», the same source clarified.

This statement aligns with comments made by Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf on November 2. «Resolution 2797 encourages Morocco and the Polisario Front to engage in direct negotiations», he stated.

However, the Arabic version of Resolution 2797, adopted on October 31 by the UN Security Council, contradicts the interpretations offered by Algeria and the Polisario regarding the «two parties» involved. In Arabic, unlike Latin and Anglo-Saxon languages, the plural form starts from three. Moreover, the resolution references the «parties» twelve times and explicitly names them in the preamble: «Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania». The document never mentions a «status of observer country».

It is worth noting that Algerian diplomacy had previously remained silent on the purpose of Ahmed Attaf's visit to Madrid, merely indicating that it was part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and partnership between the two countries, particularly in energy, trade, investment, and transport, as well as preparations for the eighth session of the Algerian-Spanish High-Level Meeting.