Algeria recalls Spain envoy over Western Sahara policy change

On Friday, Spain mentioned it backed a 2007 proposal by Morocco to supply Western Sahara autonomy underneath its sovereignty.

Moroccan troopers are seen on an earth wall that separates areas managed by Morocco and the Polisario Entrance in Western Sahara [File: Zohra Bensemra/Reuters]

Algeria has recalled its ambassador from Madrid in protest at Spain’s choice to again a Moroccan autonomy plan for the disputed former Spanish colony of Western Sahara.

Morocco sees Western Sahara, with wealthy phosphate assets and entry to profitable Atlantic fishing waters, as an integral a part of its territory.

A press release carried by Algeria’s official media on Saturday condemned the “abrupt about-turn” by Madrid, which had beforehand maintained neutrality within the decades-old battle for the territory between Morocco and the Polisario Entrance independence motion.

On Friday, Spanish overseas minister Jose Manuel Albares backed a 2007 proposal by Morocco to supply Western Sahara autonomy underneath its sovereignty, describing it because the “most critical, life like and credible foundation” to finish the long-running battle.

In the meantime, the Polisario Entrance motion has accused Spain of constructing a “grave error” after it modified its place.

The Algeria-backed Polisario separatists took up arms within the Nineteen Seventies and have continued to demand an independence referendum on the premise of a 1991 deal that included a ceasefire.

Friday’s transfer sparked an indignant response from the Polisario, which expressed “shock”.

“The place expressed by the Spanish authorities completely contradicts worldwide legitimacy,” the Polisario assertion mentioned.

The separatists referred to as on political sides in Spain “to exert stress on the Spanish authorities to appropriate this grave error”.

“The United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, the Worldwide Courtroom of Justice, the European Courtroom of Justice and all regional organisations don't recognise Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara,” the motion mentioned.

Earlier this month, the US reiterated its assist for Morocco’s plan for autonomy within the Western Sahara.

“We proceed to view Morocco’s autonomy plan as critical, credible and life like,” US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman mentioned throughout a go to to Rabat.

In late 2020, the Trump administration recognised Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara as a quid professional quo for the dominion mending ties with Israel. The deal sparked renewed tensions with Algeria.

The Biden administration has not reversed Trump’s choice.