Former Tunisian Diplomat Warns of Algeria’s ’Hegemonic Ambitions’ Against Morocco

In an interview with the weekly Al Ayyam, the former Tunisian diplomat denounced Algeria’s hegemonic ambitions. "Fortunately, the Kingdom of Morocco has been able to face this hegemonic policy with all the means at its disposal. Thank God, the Kingdom of Morocco, which is based on solid foundations, is still there, stable and unshakable," he rejoiced, stating that since the Amgala attack, the Algerian regime has been constantly maneuvering to destroy Morocco as it has already brought down the Ould Dadda regime.

For the Tunisian official, the American recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara "is a victory for all of us." "It is a victory that will preserve us all (from Algeria). That is why we support and back the Kingdom of Morocco," he said. According to him, if Morocco fell, it would be Tunisia’s turn. Mr. Ounaies recalled how Algeria had put pressure on former President Habib Bourguiba to wrest part of Tunisian territory from him.

The former ambassador to Moscow also supported the position of former Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki on the Maghreb issue. "In Tunisia, we will not accept a Maghreb of six states, just as we reject the hegemony of the Algerian military regime," he hammered. "Tunisia has never believed in the existence of a Sahrawi entity, we believe in the Marrakech agreement (in 1989) that brought together five countries. And if we now strive for the stability and preservation of the integrity of the five countries, we can achieve a balanced Maghreb and build a common market and, beyond that, build the economic prosperity of the region," the former diplomat continued.