Algeria recalled its ambassador from Madrid on Saturday in protest against Spain's decision to back a Moroccan autonomy plan for the Sahara region.
An Algerian Foreign Ministry statement condemned the "abrupt about-turn" by Madrid, which had previously maintained neutrality in the decades-old conflict for the territory between Morocco and the Algerian-backed Polisario Front independence movement.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, speaking on Friday, backed a 2007 proposal by Morocco to offer Sahara autonomy under its sovereignty, describing it as the "most serious, realistic and credible basis" to end the long-running conflict.
"Completely stunned by the statements on the Sahara issue from the highest levels of the Spanish government, and surprised by this abrupt about-turn from Sahara's former rulers, the Algerian authorities have decided to recall the ambassador to Madrid for consultations with immediate effect," the ministry said.
The Polisario had already responded angrily to the statement from Mr Albares, calling for political pressure to be put on Madrid for a change of heart.
The movement still insists on the full application of a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United Nations in 1991, which provided for a UN-supervised referendum on independence for the territory.
Spain has maintained generally good relations with Algeria and last year imported more than 40 per cent of its gas from the North African country, which recently offered its bountiful supply to the EU to ease the current shortage.
Its ties with Morocco have been more problematic.
A decision in April 2021 to allow Polisario leader Brahim Ghali to receive medical treatment at a Spanish hospital drew a furious response from Rabat.
The following month, hundreds of would-be Moroccan migrants stormed the border around the Spanish north African exclave of Ceuta, taking advantage of the withdrawal of Moroccan border guards to penetrate the remote outpost of the EU.
Rabat quickly welcomed Madrid's change of policy, describing it as "constructive".
Bernabe Lopez, professor of Arab and Islamic studies at the Autonomous University of Madrid, said the migrant issue was the main spur for Spain's move.
Madrid wanted to see Moroccan border guards exercise "more control and not this deliberate lack of control", Mr Lopez said.
The US this month reiterated its support for Morocco's autonomy offer.
"We continue to view Morocco's autonomy plan as serious, credible and realistic," Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said on a visit to Rabat.
In late 2020, the administration of then-president Donald Trump recognised Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara as a quid pro quo for the kingdom mending ties with Israel. The deal sparked renewed tension with Algeria.
President Joe Biden's administration has not reversed Mr Trump's decision.
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Thursday’s fixtures
6pm: Hyderabad Nawabs v Pakhtoon Warriors
10pm: Lahore Sikandars v Pakhtoon Blasters
Teams
Chennai Knights, Lahore Sikandars, Pakhtoon Blasters, Abu Dhabi Stars, Abu Dhabi Dragons, Pakhtoon Warriors and Hyderabad Nawabs.
Squad rules
All teams consist of 15-player squads that include those contracted in the diamond (3), platinum (2) and gold (2) categories, plus eight free to sign team members.
Tournament rules
The matches are of 25 over-a-side with an 8-over power play in which only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Teams play in a single round robin league followed by the semi-finals and final. The league toppers will feature in the semi-final eliminator.
Buy farm-fresh food
The UAE is stepping up its game when it comes to platforms for local farms to show off and sell their produce.
In Dubai, visit Emirati Farmers Souq at The Pointe every Saturday from 8am to 2pm, which has produce from Al Ammar Farm, Omar Al Katri Farm, Hikarivege Vegetables, Rashed Farms and Al Khaleej Honey Trading, among others.
In Sharjah, the Aljada residential community will launch a new outdoor farmers’ market every Friday starting this weekend. Manbat will be held from 3pm to 8pm, and will host 30 farmers, local home-grown entrepreneurs and food stalls from the teams behind Badia Farms; Emirates Hydroponics Farms; Modern Organic Farm; Revolution Real; Astraea Farms; and Al Khaleej Food.
In Abu Dhabi, order farm produce from Food Crowd, an online grocery platform that supplies fresh and organic ingredients directly from farms such as Emirates Bio Farm, TFC, Armela Farms and mother company Al Dahra.
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
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