Rabat denies confiscating Algeria's property in Rabat

Rabat, Morocco (PANA) - Morocco on Monday rejected Algiers' accusations that Rabat had "confiscated" property belonging to it in Morocco, describing them as "false and unfounded".

The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday denounced Morocco's "provocations" as part of an "operation to confiscate" property belonging to its embassy in Rabat, following media reports.

However, Moroccan diplomatic sources said that the Algerian accusations "are unfounded", contained erroneous allegations and were part of "a spirit of unjustified escalation".

The sources said the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as part of an expansion project, in 2022 acquired from Algeria vacant premises on the embassy's premises adjoining the ministry's offices, after the Embassy moved out.

They added that "Morocco has dealt with the project transparently and in direct liaison with the Algerian authorities", affirming that the latter had "responded".

However, the procedure was "at a standstill today because Morocco does not want an escalation".

The Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the project did not affect the Algerian embassy alone, but also other diplomatic representations such Côte d'Ivoire and Switzerland, to extend the ministry's premises.

Morocco assumes all its responsibilities under the 1961 Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, indicating that despite Algeria's unilateral severance of diplomatic relations with Morocco in August 2021, it respects its duties under diplomatic rules, customs and practices.

The sources stressed that the property of the Algerian state does not house diplomatic or consular headquarters and therefore does not enjoy immunity, but remains protected in accordance with Moroccan law under the general conditions governing property law in Morocco.

-0- PANA AD/IN/IS/BBA/MA 19March2024