Expropriated property: Algiers condemns, Rabat clarifies

"The premises of the chancellery and the residence of the former Algerian embassy in Rabat are not affected by any [expropriation] procedure," said an official Moroccan diplomatic source to Barlamane, describing Algeria’s allegations as "unfounded". "Contrary to what the Algerian authorities claim, the chancellery and the residence of the former Algerian embassy in Rabat - the land of which was moreover offered free of charge by the Moroccan authorities - have not been the subject of any confiscation. These premises remain respected and protected by the Moroccan state, even in the absence of privileges and immunities after the unilateral severance of diplomatic relations by Algeria," it assures.

It will specify that "only one building has been the subject of discussions with the Algerian authorities. It is an unused building, immediately adjacent to the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

Algeria is not the only country affected by the operation to expand the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Residing Abroad. This operation "has concerned, over the past few years, several diplomatic buildings, including those of Côte d’Ivoire and Switzerland. The Algerian authorities have been closely associated and duly informed in advance and at all stages, in full transparency. As early as January 2022, the ministry officially and repeatedly informed the Algerian authorities of the Moroccan state’s wish to acquire the said premises, amicably," it is further specified.

This is how the Algerian Consul General in Casablanca was received at the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs "no less than four times," the same source reports. "In addition, eight official letters were sent to the Algerian authorities, who responded with no less than five official letters. [...] in two of their letters, the Algerian authorities responded to the Moroccan offer by indicating that a ’property assessment of these assets is underway and that it will communicate its conclusions as soon as it is finalized’," it continues. It will add: "The release of the premises and the relocation of its contents will be done in compliance with diplomatic practices once the sale operation has been duly completed." In another correspondence, the Algerian authorities informed that they "have decided to initiate an expropriation procedure for certain properties in the area near the People’s Palace, for reasons of public utility, and consequently to regain possession of the residence of the ambassador of the Moroccan mission," the same source points out.

Furthermore, the same source argues: "Contrary to the approximations contained in the communiqué of the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Morocco fully assumes its responsibilities and obligations arising from the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Even if diplomatic relations have been severed by the unilateral decision taken by Algeria on August 24, 2021, Morocco assumes its responsibilities and complies with its duties arising from the rules and diplomatic customs. As a result, the properties of the Algerian state that no longer house diplomatic or consular premises and no longer enjoy the privileges and immunities provided for by international law, remain respected and protected by Moroccan law, under the general conditions applicable to property rights in Morocco." And to conclude: "Morocco has never been in a logic of escalation or provocation. The Kingdom has always worked to preserve a good neighborly relationship between the two countries and fraternity between the two peoples. It is in this context that the procedure concerning the premises in question is at a standstill."