Morocco Condemns ’Irresponsible’ Statements from Algerian Officials Amid Diplomatic Tensions

"The Moroccan Consul had indeed left the national territory at the request of Algeria. The attitude of the Moroccan Consul was not surprising as he is a Moroccan intelligence officer." These remarks by the spokesman of the Algerian government have elicited a reaction from Moroccan diplomacy. For the head of Moroccan diplomacy, the kingdom initially preferred not to react to "these irresponsible statements to which we have been accustomed for decades."

According to Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s reaction follows the "extreme gravity of the remarks. Outraged by Algeria’s lack of restraint and discernment, the minister wonders "about the true motivations behind this new escalation and Algeria’s permanent desire to fuel a climate of suspicion that goes against all the rules of good neighborliness."

For the government member, "Morocco rejects these ridiculous and unfounded assertions." According to him, "the Consul General of the Kingdom in Oran is a senior official of the Ministry, with a long career of 28 years, both in the central service and in several posts abroad."

While recalling having called his Algerian counterpart to notify him of the recall of his consul to the country, Nasser Bourita persists and signs: "the recall of the Consul was decided at the exclusive initiative of Morocco even though he has always performed his duties in a quite proper and professional manner. The minister did not fail to emphasize that his country has not received from the Algerian authorities "any formal official request for the recall of its Consul General."

Nasser Bourita also noted that Morocco, in accordance with the policy advocated by King Mohammed VI, has always opted for appeasement in its relations with Algeria. "In order to avoid escalation, I even refrain from communicating on the multiple provocations and media attacks ordered against the Kingdom," added the minister.