Algeria condemned, Sunday, the planned expropriation of some of its real estate in Rabat. In a press release, the Algerian Foreign Ministry threatened to «respond to these provocations by all means it deems appropriate». «The Kingdom of Morocco has embarked on a new phase of escalation in its provocative behavior towards Algeria. These new provocations include a plan to confiscate the premises of the Algerian embassy in Morocco», the same source states. Algeria estimates that «this is an unspeakable violation of the respect and duty to protect the diplomatic representations of sovereign states, as enshrined in international law and custom». «The Moroccan plan, which contradicts civilized international practices, is a serious breach of its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to respect and protect embassies on its territory, regardless of the circumstances», the same statement added. The Attaf department concluded its text by expressing the determination of the Algerian authorities to «resort to all available legal means and channels, notably within the framework of the United Nations, to ensure respect for its interests». The Moroccan government justified the expropriation of Algerian real estate in Rabat on the grounds of «public utility, requiring the extension of administrative buildings for the benefit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs», in accordance with law no. 81-7 of April 16, 1982. The Moroccan law gives Algeria's representatives two months to submit their remarks or appeal to the kingdom's courts.
