ALGIERS: Algeria said on Thursday it was cutting diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates following years of tension, with Algiers accusing Abu Dhabi of interfering in national and regional affairs.
‘Algeria has decided to cut diplomatic relations with the UAE, following the exhaustion of all means to preserve bilateral relations,’ Algeria’s state television announced.
Algeria accused the UAE of ‘provocative and hostile acts’, without providing details in a statement released by the foreign ministry.
‘Algeria spared no effort to draw the Emirati side’s attention to, and to warn it against, the dire consequences that could result from its regrettable and unjustified conduct, the ministry said.
There was no immediate reaction from UAE authorities.
Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune has often referred to the UAE in speeches as a ‘microstate’ or ‘statelet’ seeking to destabilise several countries in the region, citing Libya, Mali and Sudan.
‘Wherever they set foot, blood flows, Tebboune said in a televised interview in July, adding that the UAE has had a ‘very negative impact’. ‘We want them to stay away, so that blood does not flow in our country,’ he added.
On Thursday, Algiers said it was giving the UAE ambassador 48 hours ‘to comply with the decision’.-AFP