EU calls for dialogue to resolve Algerian-Spanish dispute

BRUSSELS, June 10 (KUNA) -- The European Union Friday said it favors a dialogue between Algeria and Spain to resolve their dispute after Algeria on Wednesday suspended a 20-year-old treaty of friendship and good neighborly relations signed with Spain. In a joint statement, EU High Representative Josep Borrell and European Commission Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis expressed "outmost concern." They said they are assessing the implications of the Algerian actions.
"We are in close contact with the Spanish Government and reaching out to the Algerian authorities to rapidly clarify the situation," added that the EU "continues to favor dialogue first to solve controversies." "Bilateral relations of third countries with individual EU Member States are part of their relations with the EU. Unity and solidarity within the EU remain key to uphold our interests and values in our relations with all countries," said the statement. "Algeria is an important partner for the EU in the Mediterranean and a key actor for regional stability. We trust that, in the name of our strong and long-term partnership, a swift solution will be found to fully re-establish commercial and investment relations," it stressed. "We are ready and keen to support these efforts," added the EU statement. According to media reports, Spain had publicly recognized last March an autonomy plan for the Moroccan Sahara put forward by Morocco. (end) nk.ara