Rabat – Algeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN Mohamed Ennadir Larbaoui on Saturday hindered the adoption of a communique of the Arab Group in New York condemning the latest Israeli violence on Al-Aqsa mosque.
The Algerian representative appeared unpleasant as the Palestinian delegation shared a draft communique that hails the pivotal role of Al-Quds committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in defending the Palestinian cause and protecting Jerusalem.
As the committee is chaired by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, Algeria’s rejection of the communique was due to the statement’s acknowledgement of the Moroccan monarch’s commitment to the Palestinian cause.
Morocco joined other member states of the Arab Group in supporting the draft. This means only the Algerian representative opposed it as he wanted to take out the document’s reference to King MohammedVI’s actions in favor of Palestinians to instead mention Algerian president Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s support for the Palestinian cause.
Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Omar Hilale, condemned the action of his Algerian counterpart, stressing that it is unethical for Arab ambassadors in New York to unduly criticize the responsibilities devolved to the Arab Heads of State and Government.
On Algeria’s change of stance regarding Al-Quds committee, the Moroccan diplomat recalled that the country appeared on March 9 to be in agreement with the Arab Ministerial Committee for International Action against Illegal Israeli Policies in Occupied Al-Quds’s celebration of King Mohammed VI’s commitment actions in protecting and preserving the heritage of Jerusalem.
The Moroccan representative highlighted the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency’s aid for Palestinians and its steadfast commitment to the Palestian cause. The agency is chaired by King Mohammed VI and has been instrumental in supporting the Palestinian people.
Morocco finances over 86% of the agency, while Algeria barely contributes to financing the agency’s numerous actions in Palestinian territories, Hilale recalled as he thwarted Ambassador Larbaoui’s desperate attempt to include a reference to the Algerian president in the Al-Quds draft communique.
Meanwhile, the Moroccan diplomat did not oppose Egypt’s proposal to include President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi’s role in improving the lives of Palestinians since the country has shown notable engagement in the Palestinian cause.
As Muslims around the world observe the holy month of Ramadan, Israeli forces raided Al-Aqsa Mosque during early morning prayers on Friday, using tear gas and rubber bullets and injuring at least 150.
Several Arab leaders and international organizations and figures condemned the unjustified attack.
Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted in a statement that the attack “can strengthen feelings of contempt, hate, and extremism, and kill chances of achieving a peaceful solution in the region.”
