Algeria's Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra said on Tuesday that his country has decided to sever diplomatic ties with Morocco. In a press conference, the minister said that such a decision comes due to historic and political disputes. Algeria cited what it called "hostile actions" by its most populous neighbor with which it has had strained relations for decades. Lamamra in the press conference accused Morocco of using Pegasus spyware against its officials, supporting a separatist group and failing in "bilateral commitments", including on the Western Sahara issue. "The Moroccan kingdom has never stopped its hostile actions against Algeria," he said, announcing the immediate cessation of ties. Consulates in each country, however, will stay open, he said. Morocco's Foreign Ministry was not immediately available for comment but King Mohammed has called in public for improved relations with Algeria, including in a speech last month. While the border between the two North African powers had been closed since 1994, they have had diplomatic relations since 1988 when they were restored following an earlier dispute. Last week Algeria said lethal wildfires were the work of two groups it has labeled terrorists, including the MAK group, which seeks independence for the Kabylie region and which Algeria said was backed by Morocco, without presenting evidence. Last month Algeria recalled its ambassador after a Moroccan diplomat in New York called for the Kabylie people to have the right of self determination. Morocco offered to send help to combat the fires, but there was no public response from Algeria. Relations have deteriorated since last year, when the Western Sahara issue flared up after years of comparative quiet. Morocco regards the disputed territory as its own. Algeria backs the Polisario independence movement. — Agencies
