Morocco rejects Algeria’s ‘absurd pretexts’ to cut diplomatic relations

Morocco deplored the “unilateral decision” by Algerian authorities to sever diplomatic ties with the Kingdom, foreign ministry said.

“Morocco fully deplores this unjustified though expected decision,” the ministry said in a statement, citing the recent “escalation” and “its impact on the Algerian people.”

“Morocco categorically rejects the fallacious pretexts, even absurd pretext” that permeated the Algerian decision.

The Kingdom will remain a “credible and faithful partner for the Algerian people and will continue to act with wisdom and responsibility in favor of the development of sound and fruitful inter-Maghreb relations, the statement adds.

Algeria’s foreign minister Ramtane Lamamra has accused Morocco of undermining ties without offering whatsoever evidence.

The position of the Algerian state comes after Morocco reiterated its calls for sound relations based on mutual-respect and for opening borders. But the call fell on deaf Algerian ears.

Morocco has also offered two of its Canadair fire-fighters to help distinguish the recent forest fires that ravaged the country’s northern parts, but Algeria rejected the assistance.