Algeria Breaks Off Diplomatic Ties with Morocco

By Al Mayadeen
Source: Agencies + Al Mayadeen
24 Aug 2021 23:05

Algeria officially broke off diplomatic relations with Morocco, with the foreign minister citing a series of hostile actions.

The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs blames Moroccan leaders for mounting tensions between Algeria and Morocco

Algeria severed diplomatic ties with Morocco while assuring that consular services would remain open for nationals of either side.

Algerian Foreign Affairs Minister Ramtane Lamamra announced Tuesday that “his country refuses to submit to unacceptable behaviors and actions” in its relationship with Morocco, holding Moroccan leaders responsible for the rising tensions between Algeria and Morocco.

Lamamra explained that the Israeli foreign minister’s statement against Algeria is considered Morocco's most recent "hostile" action against Algeria.

“Since 1948, no Israeli official made a hostile declaration to an Arab country from another Arab country,” he urged.

The top Algerian diplomat has also emphasized that “Morocco has clearly abandoned the foundations that help normalize relations between Algeria and Morocco, “stressing that he publicly asked Morocco "for clarifications about such hazardous provocations, yet his demands were met with complete silence."

Lamamra went on to say that Morocco is the only Arab country in North Africa that supports “Israel’s” admission to the African grouping as an observer, stressing that his country "has been patient with the incessant hostile acts carried out by Morocco".

“Algeria believed that the Moroccan side might review itself, nonetheless no positive stances were made, “he clarified.

Furthermore, the top Algerian diplomat accused Moroccan propaganda of waging a despicable war against Algeria, citing a particular incident where one of the Moroccan representatives spoke about deciding the fate of the tribal area in Algeria.

Lamamra denounced Morocco for "abandoning its commitments to organize a self-determination referendum for the Saharawi people, and for disrespecting international law."

Tribal groups contribute to Algeria’s culture

“For all these reasons, based on the facts ... I have announced, Algeria has decided to break relations,” he concluded.

Last Wednesday, the Algerian presidency said in a statement that "continued hostile acts" by Morocco require a review of relations between the two countries and intensification of security monitoring along the western borders.