INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: Morocco's relations with neighbouring Algeria will remain tense, largely because of the dispute over Western Sahara, a territory that Morocco claims sovereignty over but that Algeria would like to see become an independent state. Morocco is committed to its plan for limited autonomy for the territory, whereas the Algerian-backed Polisario Front demands a referendum on self-determination. The UN special envoy for the territory, Christopher Ross, may have some success in breaking the current deadlock, but little progress is likely to be made in resolving the long-standing dispute. Tensions between the two countries will hold back attempts to boost intra-Maghreb co-operation, including regional trade, through the Arab Maghreb Union. However, there could be some cautious bilateral co-operation on security matters.

Source: Morocco: Country outlook

Source: Country Forecast Morocco June 2009