As announced earlier this week, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker visited Algeria Thursday, heading a military delegation. In the neighboring country, he held talks with Algerian Foreign Minister Sabri Boukadoum and led a press briefing. Answering a question about the Trump administration recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara, the diplomat stressed that «the United States is still convinced that political negotiations are the only way to resolve the crisis between Morocco and the Polisario». «These negotiations must take place within the framework of the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco», he added. The American diplomat addressed the presidential decree of December 10, affirming that «the solution of the question of Western Sahara has not succeeded. The recognition of the United States is a bold and serious step towards a settlement to the conflict». The American diplomat is expected to visit Morocco on Friday.
