Political sources in Algeria ruled out the possibility of reconciliation between Algeria and Morocco during the upcoming Arab Summit in Algiers.
Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra discussed with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit the preparations for the summit that is scheduled for November.
Recent media reports had spoken of the the possibility that the ties would be restored during the summit.
Government sources dismissed the reports, saying the ties have deteriorated and it is difficult to imagine restoring them at this time.
Algeria severed ties with Morocco in August, accusing it of supporting two organizations it described as "terrorist" and which it blamed for a series of fires in the Kabylia region last summer.
Ahead of his trip to Algeria, Aboul Gheit told Egyptian media that the Arab League had "no intention" of mediating between the two Maghreb countries.
Aboul Gheit's assistant Hossam Zaki said the organization was not seeking a reconciliation before the summit.
He remarked that the situation is unique and the League will not be interfering unless required, adding there were no plans to postpone the summit.
"Preparations are underway […], and there are some pending issues, especially concerning the situation in Morocco and Algeria," he added, urging "everyone to work to improve the Arab environment."
The Algerian Foreign Ministry said talks between Aboul Gheit and Lamamra addressed all aspects of the arrangements related to the summit and international issues of concern to Arab affairs.
Algeria chose November 1 and 2 to hold the summit, coinciding with the anniversary of its revolution against French colonialism.
It is seeking the return of Syria to the Arab League, calling on the Arab countries to support its position.
Last year, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said: "Syria is supposed to be present at the Arab summit."
After the outbreak of the crisis in Syria in 2011, Algeria was hesitant to freeze Damascus' membership, and it did not recall its ambassador from Damascus.
