Algerian Property Expropriation In Rabat: Morocco's Rebuttal To Allegations

Rabat, March 19 (TNA) In a recent decree disseminated by the Moroccan government and enshrined within the latest edition of the Bulletin Officiel (BO) numbered 5811, dated the 13th of March, the pronouncement of expropriating real estate holdings, notably those of the Algerian Republic in Rabat, has stirred diplomatic discourse. However, it is imperative to delineate that such measures do not extend to the premises housing the Chancery and the former Algerian Embassy Residence in Rabat.

Contrary to assertions propagated by Algerian authorities, the Chancery and the Residence of the former Algerian Embassy in Rabat, whose grounds were graciously extended by Moroccan authorities, have not undergone any form of "confiscation." These locales persist under the auspices of respect and protection afforded by the Moroccan state, notwithstanding the absence of privileges and immunities consequent to Algeria's unilateral severance of diplomatic ties.

Nevertheless, a solitary structure has indeed become the focal point of negotiations with Algerian authorities. It pertains to an erstwhile dormant edifice adjacent to the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This expansionary endeavor has implicated various diplomatic edifices over recent years, inclusive of those belonging to Côte d'Ivoire and Switzerland. Algerian authorities have been integrally engaged and comprehensively apprised, with meticulous transparency, spanning a tenure exceeding two years.

As early as January 2022, the ministry formally apprised Algerian authorities on multiple occasions of its intent to amicably acquire the aforementioned locale. The Algerian Consul General in Casablanca was convened at the ministry on no fewer than four occasions to deliberate on this matter. Furthermore, eight official correspondences were dispatched to Algerian authorities, meriting responses in kind with no fewer than five official rejoinders.

Of particular note, in two of their missives, Algerian authorities responded to the Moroccan overture by intimating that a "property assessment of these assets is currently underway, with conclusions to be conveyed upon finalization," appending assurances that "the release of premises and the subsequent relocation of its contents shall transpire in accordance with diplomatic conventions upon the consummation of the sale operation."

Moreover, in a separate correspondence, Algerian authorities conveyed their decision to initiate an expropriation procedure citing reasons of public utility for select properties in proximity to the people's palace, thereby earmarking the reclamation of the residence of the Moroccan mission's ambassador.

In disputation of assertions proffered within the communiqué issued by the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Morocco adamantly avows its unwavering adherence to the responsibilities and obligations enshrined within the Vienna Convention of 1961 on Diplomatic Relations. Despite Algeria's unilateral diplomatic estrangement on August 24, 2021, the Kingdom dutifully upholds its obligations in consonance with diplomatic norms and practices.

Ergo, properties affiliated with the Algerian state, bereft of diplomatic or consular function and divested of privileges and immunities prescribed by international law, endure safeguarded under Moroccan legislation, in conformity with the overarching conditions governing property rights in the nation, as underscored by our informant.

Morocco's posture has never been one of escalation or provocation. The Kingdom remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a milieu of amicable neighborliness and fraternal accord between the two nations and peoples. It is within this context that the impasse regarding the aforementioned locale persists, testament to the Kingdom's earnest endeavors toward diplomatic resolution and concord.