Messahel’s comments come after what Algiers understood as Moroccan interest in re-opening the border with Algeria, for the first time since 1994.

In a press conference on Saturday, Messahel went on to say “Algeria considers that the solution to the borders issue should lie within a comprehensive vision on both bilateral and regional levels”.

It is yet another set back in a resolution to the border issue, the previous being in 1999. Plans to reopen the border were aborted after a deadly attack by the Algerian Armed Islamic Group (GIA). Algeria denied full responsibility for harbouring the terrorists, stating the rear bases for the attack were in Morocco.

Despite this, Morocco remains Algeria’s largest Arab trade partner, with a trade volume of over $570m in the past year alone. Over 500,000 Algerians visited Morocco last year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations for Algerians. Royal Air Maroc, Morocco’s national carrier, still operates daily flights between Casablanca and Algiers.

The agreement was signed by French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde and Algeria’s minister of energy and mining, Chakib Khelil. The signature came during a two-day visit to Algeria by French Prime Minister Francois Fillon.

This comes on the back of similar nuclear-cooperation agreements with three other North African nations: Tunisia, Morocco and Libya.

The deal strengthens Francophone influence in the region, which involves training engineers, as well as joint ventures to explore for uranium. Areva SA, France’s leading company in nuclear energy, also has the opportunity to build power plants in the North African country.

The incident happened as 70 or so African immigrants reacted angrily as they were confronted by Spanish border police. The Spanish Ministry have not stated the nature of the violent conduct by the African immigrants, but the media have said that stones were thrown at security forces.

Those that did get through the border were subsequently arrested, and taken to a holding centre for illegal immigrants, the Spanish Interior Ministry said in a press statement.

Melilla has been a focal point for many violent, often fatal, attempts for illegal border crossing. In 2005, eleven immigrants died in clashes with security forces, with more deaths reported in Ceuta, the second Spanish enclave in Morocco. In 2006, a further three died in similarly violent clashes with border police, despite a step up in border security by Spain.

Ceuta and Melilla have been Spanish enclaves for more than 400 years. Morocco claims sovereignty over both, and this recent event is sure to cause public fury.

Source: Associated Press

Libya’s penultimate group game against Ghana will prove decisive. A win will almost certainly put the Libyans through, barring any disasters away against Gabon. Libya play Ghana in Tripoli on the 6th September.

GROUP 6

Much as in Group 5, Algeria face a must win penultimate game against highly fancied Senegal in Algiers. Anything less than a win may spell the end for the desert foxes.

GROUP 8

Morocco will almost certainly be assured of a qualifying spot if they win their next two games. However, they must match or better Rwanda’s results to top the group. After their 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Ethiopia, Mauritania are out.

GROUP 9

Tunisia need a big win against Burkina Faso to take them to the top of Group 9. Any win, however, against Burkina Faso may mean that the group would go down to goal difference.

GROUP 12

Reigning African champions Egypt find themselves with it all to do going in to the final round of games. Few will bet against them to come up trumps against DR Congo this September, but it is a must win game for them.

Morocco were keen to exact revenge for their 3-1 defeat in Kigali the previous week, and exerted early pressure on the visitors.

Aboucherouane came closest for the Atlas Lions before the opener, a delightful chipped pass from Nabil El Zhar was controlled by the midfielder, only for him to lash it over the bar from 6 yards out.

Morocco continued to dominate proceedings and the opener soon came in the form of a penalty for the hosts. Ndikumana impeded Benjelloun just inside the box, and Algerian referee Mohammed Benouza had no option but to give the spot kick which Safri duly converted.

Safri could have doubled Morocco’s lead just four minutes later, but his superb freekick was denied by the post. Morocco continued to have the lions share of possession, but failed to create anymore clearcut chances against a dogged Rwandan defence.

There was little change in the pattern of play in the second half, and Morocco doubled their lead just five minutes in. Benjelloun possessed the guile to play an excellent through ball to El Zhar, who cooly rounded the keeper to slot in The Atlas Lions’ second goal.

There was more woe for the Amavubi as Elias Ntaganda saw red for a second bookable offence on El Zhar, but Morocco failed to make the extra man pay.

For the Moroccans, who see Roger Lemerre take the helm at the beginning of next month, it was the result that mattered. They now lead Group 8 on goal difference, with games against Ethiopia and Mauritania yet to come.

Morocco: Lamyaghri, Basser, Ainy (92 Hermach), El Kaddouri, Erbati, Safri (c), Kharja, El Zhar, Benjelloun, Aboucherouane (45 Lmebarki), Ajeddou (73 Madihi)

Goals: Safri 24, El Zhar 50.

Rwanda: Ndori, Ndikumana, Ntaganda, Gaseruka, Mugiraneza, Niyonzima, Bokota, Karekezi, Mutesa, Saïd, Rucogoza

Sent off: Ntaganda 63.

Ref: Mohammed Benouza (Algeria).

N.A.B Man of the Match: Youssef Safri.