Algerian AF Modernisation…Morocco not happy!

MOROCCO CONCERNED OVER ALGERIAN ARMS BID

CAIRO [MENL] — Morocco has quietly expressed concern over Algeria’s effort to modernize its military.

Arab diplomatic sources said the kingdom has sent messages to Arab countries, the European Union and the United States that question Algeria’s program to procure a range of new platforms. Algeria has obtained Su-24 bombers from Russia and seeks the MiG-29 fighter-jet.

The sources said the Algerian negotiations with Moscow could harm plans for a summit between Algiers and Rabat. Algeria has tried to persuade Morocco’s King Mohammed to attend the Arab Maghreb Union summit on June 21 in Algiers. The union also includes Libya and Tunisia and has not met in years.

Relations between the two neighbors have been tense for years. Algeria has supported the Polisario’s drive for independence in Western Sahara, an area claimed by Morocco.
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