2023-07-01 18:40:00
The newspaper El Plural echoed this concern, stressing Algeria’s desire to modernize its arsenal, in particular with Russian submarines equipped with missiles, a step taken in response to the improvement of the military capabilities of the Morocco, which acquires weapons from the United States and Israel.
Spain maintains tense diplomatic relations with the two Maghreb countries. Although ties with Morocco are generally good, those with Algeria have deteriorated following Madrid’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. This decision marked a turning point in the Spanish position on this sensitive issue, Madrid having previously adopted an attitude of neutrality, the newspaper recalls.
To read: Arms race: Spain reassures Morocco
Algeria reacted strongly to Spain’s reversal of position on the issue, describing it as morally and historically unacceptable. Algiers recalled its ambassador to Madrid in March 2022. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune lamented the change of course, saying Spain had “failed in its duty to find a solution for the conflict”.
This crisis also has repercussions on Spanish domestic politics. Many deputies, including from the left and right opposition and from the Unidos Podemos party, partner of the socialist government of Sanchez, voted against this change in foreign policy. Madrid remains concerned about the arms race between Morocco and Algeria, which increases concern in Spanish military circles, fearing that it will reduce the military advantage that Spain still has.
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