Algerian Diplomat Slams Spain’s Shift on Western Sahara as ’Crime’, Warns of Consequences

"Pedro Sanchez’s Spain has lost its soul for a bowl of lentils and Morocco will sooner or later come back to claim the two cities [Ceuta and Melilla] that it considers a national cause on a par with the Western Sahara," Belani said at a press conference.

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For him, "the economic and commercial asphyxiation of Ceuta and Melilla, the assaults of migrants, the claim of maritime spaces [around the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla], drug trafficking and security threats will continue to be the main means of pressure of Morocco, accustomed to practices of intimidation, blackmail and corruption".

To read: Algeria Vows ’Energetic’ Response to Spain’s Shift on Western Sahara

The former Algerian ambassador to the European Union also denounced the "fluidity" of relations between Spain and Algeria, supported by the Spanish authorities, indicating that "these words cannot mask the reality of a crisis [...] whose other consequences will be perceptible at different levels in the short and medium term".

To read: Algeria Considers Gas Price Hike for Spain Amid Diplomatic Tensions and Energy Crisis

In reaction to Spain’s change of position on the Sahara, Algeria has recalled its ambassador to Madrid, Saïd Moussi, for consultations. Last week, the president of Sonatrach, Toufik Hakkar, specified in a statement to the official news agency APS that Algeria will raise the price of gas supplied to Spain.

To read: Spain Signals Shift in Western Sahara Policy, Potentially Aligning with Morocco

On Friday, a map of Morocco including Western Sahara was published on the website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In doing so, "the Spanish government openly recognizes the alleged Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara," denounces Belani.