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Algerian candidates differ on Morocco question Walid Ramzi Magharebia Monday 14 Apr 2014 "I have a clear vision about creating the Maghreb," said Ali Benflis, one of the rivals to incumbent President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. "I will do my best to open the border with Morocco, and cancel the visa requirement for travelling between the two countries," he told supporters in Annaba on April 9th. Benflis noted that his position was conditional on "the resolution of outstanding issues between the two countries, especially the security problems, terrorism and drugs". During a campaign stop in Tlemcen, young presidential hopeful Abdelaziz Belaid called for opening a dialogue between Rabat and Algiers to overcome their outstanding issues. Many of the issues in the region "are affected by the border closure between Algeria and Morocco", he said at the April 3rd event. He stressed the need to build a Maghreb front and overcome tensions "between the two neighbours". "If you elect me, I'll open the border with Morocco because our immunity is in our neighbours' immunity," Workers' Party chief Louisa Hanoune said campaigning in Tlemcen on April 5th. "Algeria now more than ever needs to remove obstacles with neighbouring Morocco so we can defuse the time bomb that targets Arab countries," the lone female candidate added. She said, "We'll build the Maghreb and unite Arab peoples and Amazigh tribes, and will combat drugs using other means." For his part, Ahd 54 head Ali Fawzi Rebaine stressed the need for the "border to remain closed to prevent the entry of a single gram of drugs". Neither the incumbent president nor Algerian National Front (FNA) chairman Moussa Touati addressed the border issue in their campaigns. Abdelaziz Bouteflika confirmed he planned to work "to revive the process of building the Maghreb edifice, which remains a strategic choice for the region's peoples". He also pledged to "consolidate the bonds of fraternity and co-operation with regional countries". But the border issue was absent whether in his election programme or in speeches delivered by his campaign director Abdelmalek Sellal. Algerian voters had a lot to say about the issue. "None can deny the bonds of love and fraternity we share and the same blood that flows through our veins," teacher Mohamed Hamani told Magharebia. The Algerian-Moroccan rapprochement could significantly help solve the Western Sahara problem, he added. "The border issue can't continue forever," physician Abdenasser Saheli said. "It must be resolved by making the necessary decision, as Morocco will remain a neighbour and brother." But Algiers and Rabat should first negotiate the security file, contractor Ali Mongi said. "The two sides must step up co-operation and co-ordination to confront terrorism and deter drug traffickers. Not a single day passes without hearing in the media about the seizure of tonnes of hashish and cannabis on the border," he said. http://magharebia.com/en_GB/articles/awi/features/2014/04/14/feature-02
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