Algeria-Morocco Border Reopens After 12 Years; Shoppers Delighted
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RABAT, Morocco — Large crowds of Algerians flooded into Morocco for a shopping spree in the border town of Oujda on Sunday when the border was reopened after being closed for 12 years.
The Moroccan authorities rolled out a welcome mat at the frontier post of Zoudj Bghal (Two Mules), nine miles east of Oujda, specially repainted and decorated with bunting and flags for the occasion.
Many Moroccans also poured over the frontier to visit relatives among the estimated 300,000 Moroccans living in Algeria.
The border was reopened and visas abolished on schedule at midnight Saturday after the decision May 16 by Algeria and Morocco to restore diplomatic relations.
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