Algeria ‘informed’ of Spain’s shift on Western Sahara, prior to announcement

The Government of Spain has assured that it has “previously” informed Algeria about its new position in relation to Western Sahara, reports Europa Press.

Faced with the “surprise” of the Algerian Executive, who recalled their ambassador in Madrid following Spain’s announcement, governmental sources told the Spanish news outlet that “Algeria had been informed of the Kingdom’s change in position on Western Sahara,” while stressing that Algeria “is a strategic, priority and viable partner.”

Sources to the Spanish newspaper did not confirm when Algeria was informed.

Algeria, however, has denied being informed of the position and maintains that Spain “backstabbed” its partner, according to a government official who spoke to Algerian TSA anonymously.

The official described Madrid’s repositioning as a “second betrayal” and the behavior of the head of Spanish diplomacy as “shameful.”

Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, did not want to clarify on Friday whether Algeria had been informed beforehand about the change in the government’s position, claiming that “diplomacy requires discretion,” but he was convinced that it would not affect the gas supply to Spain by this country.

“Algeria has repeatedly demonstrated that it is a viable partner,” he maintained during a press conference, assuring that he maintains a strong relationship with his Algerian counterpart.

In the midst of the scarcity of vital Russian gas exports to Europe, the continent is more dependent on Algerian gas than ever. Algiers is today the main supplier of natural gas to the Peninsula at a delicate moment in the current energy situation.

Algiers proceeded to close the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline (GME) which pumped gas to the Iberian Peninsula via Morocco in November, shortly after breaking off diplomatic relations with Rabat last August.

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, spoke on March 6 with the Algerian President, Abdelmayid Teboune, who reiterated not only his country’s” commitment to guaranteeing supplies to Spain,” but also “Algeria’s willingness to help the Europeans as much as possible, as a viable partner in energy matters,” according to government sources cited by Europa Press.