Bouteflika, The great diplomat facing Kissinger
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This file was declassified in 2006, although went unremarked at that time. It has a critical importance regarding the conflict of Western Sahara because the (then) minister of foreign affairs and current president of Algeria, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, asked US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger to "stop economic and military aid", which would have meant an embargo on Morocco. This file concerns the whole Maghreb region, and particularly Morocco-Algerian relations.
- the discussions between the two men, Abdelaziz Bouteflika and henry Kissinger, were on the questions of Western Sahara, Angola and the Middle East.
- During these discussions, it was mainly about the Western Sahara issue, and Abdelaziz Bouteflika has forcefully defended the Saharawi people and their right to self-determination, the need for a referendum to settle the conflict. Bouteflika has stressed the need to resolve the conflict in full transparency and objectivity.
- The Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs has told then that Algeria would accept the results of the referendum whatever it may be, stressing on the Saharawi people's right to choose independence or annexation to Morocco or Mauritania.
- For his part, the U.S. Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger said it was impossible to do great things regarding Western Sahara case because, he said, the united states of America were neutral and take no position on the issue. He confirmed that he understood the Palestinians but it was not impossible for the case of Western Sahara.
- Regarding the position of Algeria, Kissinger said that no one opposes it and the only question concerns its application. Adding that the prohibition of the Green March meant the deterioration of relations with Morocco and that they were not interested in the question of Western Sahara.
- Bouteflika said that the united states of America had interests in Spain and Morocco, but they preferred one party to another and there was a military cooperation with Morocco, which prevented them from remaining neutral when it comes to Algeria.
- On the issue of the Middle East, Bouteflika has indicated that there were negotiations and that there was no reason to refuse to comply with decisions of the International Court of Justice.
- Ennahar / Asma Menouar
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