France Urges Dialogue Between Algeria and Morocco Amid Diplomatic Crisis

"France remains naturally committed to deepening ties and dialogue between the countries of the region, to consolidate their stability and prosperity," said the deputy spokesman for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a brief statement. "Algeria and Morocco are two friendly countries and two essential partners of France," he added.

On Tuesday, the Algerian Foreign Minister, Ramtane Lamamra, announced that Algeria had decided to sever its diplomatic relations with Morocco. Algiers accuses Rabat in particular of supporting Omar Hilale, Morocco’s permanent representative to the United Nations, to the "valiant Kabyle people", the statements of the Israeli Foreign Minister during his historic visit to Rabat, past incidents, such as the desecration of the Algerian flag at the Casablanca consulate in 2013. For its part, Rabat says it has "taken note" of this "unilateral decision".