At the initiative of Lebanese researcher Faissal Jelloul and former Tunisian minister Fathi Belhaj, nearly 100 researchers from the Arab world signed a petition calling for the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two rival brothers. Morocco and Algeria must work together to put an end to a perennial conflict which plunges the region into a geopolitical slump, and which benefits the great foreign powers. « External intervention could open wide doors for foreign powers, strengthening their influence and strength and developing their interests, » recalls the petition. Both nations were called upon to seek realistic scenarios outside of media campaigns, embracing the notion of « abandoning necessary harm » in resolving their conflict. The manifesto further addressed the Palestinian issue, urging member states to « issue a document of honor to regard Palestinian law as a sacred place that will not be abandoned or compromised. » “Stability in the Greater Maghreb region depends on the settlement of the Moroccan-Algerian conflict. Immediate measures are therefore necessary to restore confidence between the two countries and allow them to reassure themselves vis-à-vis the internal policies and external relations of each ”.
