French Foreign Minsiter Endorses Autonomy Plan

French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe stated last week that Morocco’s autonomy plan was the most “realistic” solution at ending the dispute in Western Sahara. Juppe, who made his remarks at the beginning of an official visit to Morocco, said that the process must still go through the United Nations. Juppe further said that the dispute should not hinder the recent thaw in relations between Algeria and Morocco. Read More.

Algerian President Upset at Clinton’s Remarks

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton commended Morocco’s autonomy plan, prompting Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to comment that the people of Western Sahara should vote on whether to accept the plan or to gain independence. He also stated his wish that UN talks begin recommence. Read More.

Polisario Angered at EU Fishing Mandate

The Polisario Front reacted harshly to a February 3rd decision by the European Commission to negotiate a new fishing agreement with Morocco. Polisario’s Europe representative, Mohamed Sidati, stated that the agreement clashes with the European Parliament’s rejection of a similar agreement last December. Sidati said that the Polisario’s involvement was necessary in the negotiating process in order to not violate international law. Read More.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Visits Algeria

Moroccan Foreign Minister Sadd Eddine Othmani visited Algeria last week, marking the first time since 2003 that a Moroccan foreign minister has visited the country. The trip aims to address the Western Sahara conflict, which has caused tensions between Morocco and the Polisario, which is backed by Algeria. The Foreign Minister will also be discussing putting in renewed effort into the Arab Maghreb Union. Read More.

Border Between Morocco and Algeria Opened Temporarily

The government of Algeria has authorized the temporary opening of the Zouj Bghal border crossing between its country and Morocco. The day-long opening opening came in a response to a Moroccan request so cyclists could compete in a tour. The borders had been closed between the two nations since 1994, with Algeria stating that any agreement to open them must include a solution to the conflict in Western Sahara. Read More.

US Includes Western Sahara in Moroccan Assistance

President Obama signed a bill authorizing US assistance to Morocco to be used in any region administered by Morocco. The bill, approved by both houses of Congress, supported the autonomy plan put forth by Morocco. This is the first time that US assistance to Morocco may be used in Western Sahara. Read More

Opinion: World Community Ignoring Refugees In Algeria

Joseph K. Grieboski, founder of the Institute of Religion and Public Policy, writes that the international community has forgotten the plight faced by refugees in Algerian and Polisario-run camps. However, with the recent kidnappings of Spanish aid-workers, the world is now showing concern for the situation in these camps. Grieboski points out that Algeria, in which the camps are located, has been silent regarding the kidnappings and must address the kidnappings and the Western Sahara issue at-large. Read More



Question of the Day: What more can be done to bring light upon the situation in the refugee Camps?

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