Statements by French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné regarding a «new chapter» in France-Morocco relations have ruffled feathers in Algeria. Algerian news outlet Echoroukonline warns that Séjourné's remarks «expose Algerian-French relations to risks which could lead to a relapse». Specifically, Séjourné's reaffirmation of French support for the Moroccan autonomy plan for Western Sahara and his call for «moving forward» are viewed critically. Echoroukonline argues these statements «do not fit with the position of Paris» which disregard Morocco's recent demands for full recognition of its sovereignty over the Sahara. The outlet further warns that «any misstep by Paris, whatever its level, will bring the situation back to square one». This echoes a similar warning issued to Spain in January after Madrid modified its online stance on the Sahara issue. Echoroukonline then accused Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares of seeking to «torpedo Algerian-Spanish reconciliation».
