Morocco has told government departments to cease cooperation and contacts with Germany’s embassy in the North African kingdom due in part to Berlin’s stance over Western Sahara, a senior Moroccan diplomat said on Monday. A foreign ministry document, seen by Reuters, cited “deep disagreements” in asking all ministries and government bodies to abstain from any contact with the embassy and German aid and political organisations, without offering further details. The Algeria-backed Polisario seeks independence for Western Sahara, a vast desert region Morocco has held since Spain withdrew in 1975 and which Rabat considers Morocco’s southern provinces. Read MoreAfter former U.S. President Donald Trump declared Washington’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, Germany called a U.N. Security Council meeting to discuss the issue. The German embassy in Rabat was not immediately available to comment.

Source: Standard Digital March 01, 2021 21:56 UTC