Current misunderstanding in Moroccan-Algerian relations is transient cloud
Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 9/8/1999

Moroccan Interior Minister Driss Basri described as "no more than a transient summer cloud" the current misunderstanding in the Moroccan-Algerian relations, triggered by Algerian president's implicit accusations that Morocco hosts the persons responsible for Beni Ounif massacre in southern Algeria.

In an interview published Wednesday by the Saudi daily Asharq Al-Awsat, Basri said relations between Morocco and Algeria are marked by fraternity, friendship and neighborliness. He expected that bilateral relations will be normalized when bonds are approached in a serious way as it is wished by the leaders, governments and peoples of the two countries.

The minister stressed "Morocco's will as it was voiced by King Mohammed VI, both in his throne speech (July 30) and in the messages he exchanged with his Algerian brother, President Bouteflika." The Moroccan king had vowed to grant a special interest for the development of relations between the two states taking into account their shared civilizational, historic legacy and common destiny uniting them for the edification of the Grand Maghreb Arab.

The Moroccan interior minister voiced Morocco's readiness to examine all the accusations related to information possessed by Algerian authorities. "We are sure of our arguments and statements. If things happened without the knowledge of the Moroccan authorities, we are ready to review them in an atmosphere of understanding, frankness, sincerity, earnestness, serenity and cooperation," Basri said.

He further renewed denial that any armed group has infiltrated Morocco from Algeria, recalling that the Moroccan government's spokesman had previously denied all these charges. For Basri, Bouteflika's accusations should be placed in their actual context, and it is appropriate to produce all related data. He called for avoiding sensationalism and all forms of excesses to handle matters calmly and serenely.

The Moroccan official further brought the following explanations:

1- Morocco has never harbored, trained, armed, nor encouraged Algerian armed groups, nor has it served as a rear base for these groups.

2- Morocco has never tolerated and will never allow such a practice anywhere, nor in any region of its territories nor near the Moroccan-Algerian borders.

3- Morocco -- which has always been driven by frankness and will to forge good neighborliness ties with sisterly Algeria, its people and government -- is aware of the dangers it is exposed to if it authorizes this kind of practices -- though unintentionally -- and of the harmful consequences on the common security of Morocco and Algeria, in addition to the harm it causes to bilateral relations.

4- The government of his majesty King Mohammed VI recalls that the kingdom observes a clear and firm stand of non-interference in Algeria's domestic affairs and has taken all the security, preventive and administrative measures needed for the respect of that principle. In this regard, the Moroccan government referred to justice during public trials and in the presence of attorneys and Moroccan and foreign press, persons found guilty of direct or indirect contacts or of undertaking actions of interference in Algeria's internal affairs. The government has not hesitated to try these persons in several trials in 1993-94. The Moroccan justice had delivered severe sanctions against persons responsible for these actions that threatened the security of a brother country. Morocco has also responded positively to the extradition requests of Algerian judiciary authorities, in keeping with the relevant convention binding the two countries.

5- Regarding smuggling, the Moroccan government makes it clear that it is a usual practice between peoples living on borders all throughout the world. In this particular case, and in view of the closure of the Algerian-Moroccan borders and their surveillance from both sides since 1994, these exchanges have been reduced to the minimum.

Previous Stories:
  Rabat responds to criticism from Algerian president   (9/3/1999)
  Bouteflika speaks frankly about relations with Morocco   (9/2/1999)
  Morocco denies arrest of Algerian Islamist group   (8/27/1999)
  Nine Algerian Islamists arrested in Morocco, following massacre   (8/26/1999)
  Algerian president congratulates Moroccan king on 46th anniversary of revolution of king and people   (8/21/1999)

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