The Arab Maghreb Union is a Pan-Arab trade agreement aiming for economic and political unity in northern Africa. Pan-Arabism is a movement for unification among the Arab peoples and nations of the Middle East. ... // Etymology World map showing Africa (geographically) The name Africa came into Western use through the Romans, who used the name Africa terra — land of the Afri (plural, or Afer singular) — for the northern part of the continent, as the province of Africa with its capital Carthage, corresponding to...

The idea for an economic union of the Maghreb began with the independence of Tunisia and Morocco in 1958. It was not until thirty years later, though, that the five Maghreb countries - Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia - met for the first Maghreb summit. The following year, in 1989, the agreement was formally signed by all member nations. There is a rotating chairmanship, which is held in turn by each nation. (see also North Africa, Tamazgha, Arab Maghreb Union, Mashreq) The Maghreb (المغرب العربي ; sometimes also rendered Moghreb), meaning western in Arabic, is the region of the continent of Africa north of the Sahara desert and west of the Nile - specifically, the modern countries of Morocco, Western Sahara (annexed and occupied by Morocco... 1958 was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

However, traditional rivalries between Morocco and Algeria, and the unsolved question of Western Sahara's sovereignty have blocked union meetings since the early nineties, despite several attempts to re-launch the political process. The latest top-level conference, in mid-2005, was derailed by Moroccan refusal to meet, due to Algeria's vocal support for Saharan independence. // Events and trends The 1990s in its most obvious sense refers to the years 1990 to 1999, but has held a strong influence into the 2000s. ... 2005 (MMV) is a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

All countries are also members of the Arab League and, except Morocco, the African Union. Flag of the League of Arab States The Arab League or League of Arab States (Arabic: جامعة الدول العربية), is an organization of Arab states - compare Arab world. ... Anthem: Let us all unite and celebrate together Official languages The African languages, as well as Arabic, English, French and Portuguese Some member states have other official languages. ...

References

• Bensouiah, Azeddine (26 June, 2002). "Stunted growth of the Arab Maghreb Union". Panapress.

External link

• Arab Maghreb Union website