Rabat – The Algerian regime’s obsession with Morocco is the key reason for the decades long enmity between the two countries, Abdelilah Benkirane said this week as he commented on recent regional developments.
The newly elected leader of Morocco’s Justice and Development Party (PJD) made the comments in a speech he gave before the members of the national commission and the general secretariat of the party.
In a video posted online on December 4, the Islamist leader warned against further regional tensions, pointing out that instability and conflict will have devastating consequences for both Algeria and Morocco.
Algeria’s 40-year-long obsession with Morocco has already caused many deaths and ruined many lives on both sides, he stressed.
He described Algeria’s attitude toward Morocco as “unjust,” advising Algerian soldiers “to return to wisdom and God.”
“If there is a war, we are with our country and our King (and) you are not going to win the war,” Benkirane said, adding that Algeria has “spent 45 years worth of the money from oil to attack Morocco and bring down its diplomacy.”
According to the secretary general of the PJD, the Algerian military insists on maintaining the closure of the borders because “Algerians love Morocco, and if the borders open, countless Algerians will cross to the other side.”
Amid fears of escalating tensions between Algeria and Morocco, many Algerian officials have voiced their concern over deepening security cooperation between Morocco and Israel.
Benkirane recalled that the relationship between Morocco and Israel does not date from today as the country has a long and deep history with the Jewish community.
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While reiterating that Moroccans will always stand together for their country’s territorial integrity, he emphasized that Morocco “will never let go of the Palestinian cause.”
He recalled King Mohammed VI’s recent messages and acts spoke of Morocco’s unchanged commitment to the Palestinian cause.
“Moroccans and Palestinians have always been brothers, united in happiness and misfortune,” Benkirane stressed.
