Asharq AL-awsat
Morocco has confirmed Saturday its non-interference stance in Algeria’s internal affairs in light of demonstrations that have been taking place in the country since February 22, according to Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita.
“The Kingdom of Morocco has decided not to interfere in recent developments in Algeria and not to comment on the matter,” Bourita told AFP.
The Moroccan government has not commented on developments in Algeria since the beginning of the demonstrations rejecting the candidacy of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika for a fifth term.
Its official government spokesman, Mustafa al-Khaliji, refused Thursday to answer any question on the subject during his weekly meeting with the press.
Tension has strained diplomatic relations between Rabat and Algeria for decades over the Sahara issue.
In November, Moroccan King Mohammed VI called on parties to find “a common political mechanism for dialogue and consultation” between Morocco and Algeria in order to improve and normalize bilateral relations. However, he didn’t receive any response from Algeria in this regard.