After having denied in an official communiqué last Thursday a buildup of its troops on the Moroccan border, Algeria still has to counter accusations in the Moroccan press. The Moroccan press continues to cast aspersions on Algeria's intentions in the area, especially in the northern area of the Sahara border, in the region of Figuig.
Algeria is continuing to deny the allegations and reaffirm that it has no desire to escalate the conflict. Apart from the recent diplomatic wrangling at the UN, the fact that Algeria has recently purchased 80 MIG fighters is also increasing tensions. There are fears in editorial columns in the local press of a remilitarization of the region.
In a bid to ease tensions, there is talk of an upcoming visit to Algeria by the Moroccan Prime Minister, Driss Jettou. (albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
