Morocco’s PM Attempts to Ease Tensions with Algeria over UN Diplomat’s Kabyle Comments

Ramtane Lamamra, who "stands as a fervent defender of the right to self-determination, refuses this same right to the Kabyle people, one of the oldest peoples in Africa, who suffer the longest foreign occupation," Omar Hilale had commented in reaction to the allegations of the Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the Sahara issue during the general debate of the ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held by videoconference on July 13 and 14.

"It was the reaction of the permanent representative ambassador of the kingdom to the United Nations. It is not a political position he expressed, but rather a counter-argumentative reaction. If you say that, we say this. But it is not a political position of Morocco," El Othmani said in a statement to Hespress.

He regrets that Algeria’s decision to sever its relations with its western neighbor was due in particular to the statements of the Moroccan diplomat. He also regrets that this decision was made "after the third invitation made by King Mohammed VI and his outstretched hand for reconciliation and the start of a dialogue with the Algerian brothers without condition." The head of government also reaffirmed that "Morocco will always remain faithful to its principle of working for the construction of a harmonious and strong Maghreb Union, capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century."