Rabat – Rabat has scrapped plans to establish a twins cities agreement with Guatemala City, following Guatemala’s decision to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.
After the US embassy in Israel relocated on May 14, Guatemala shifted its embassy to Jerusalem on May 16, to great praise from the Israeli community and widespread international condemnation.
At the time of the opening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced, “This is a great day for Israel. This is a great day for Guatemala. Guatemala was with us at the beginning and Guatemala is with us today, and we welcome the opening of the embassy in Jerusalem.”
Just one week after the Moroccan government planned to vote on the twin cities plan, which intended to promote social, economic, and political ties between the two cities, Rabat announced its decision to cancel the partnership on Saturday, May 19.
Deputy Mayor of Rabat Lahcen El Amrani told Reuters: “Following Guatemala’s decision to establish an embassy in Al Quds (Jerusalem), Rabat’s city council unanimously decided to suspend the examination of a twinning project with Guatemala City in solidarity with the Palestinian people.”
The decision preceded the Casablanca popular protest in solidarity with the Palestinian people on Sunday, May 20. Over 10,000 protesters marched in condemnation of the US embassy move and the use of excessive force against Palestinians by Israeli soldiers.
Israeli Defense Forces killed 60 Palestinians and injured over 2,000 during Gaza protests against the US embassy move on May 14.
