Algeria Rejects UN Resolution Condemning Iran In Terms Of Human Rights

Algeria refused to vote on a UN resolution condemning Iran for violating human rights. 83 countries voted in favor of the resolution, while 30 voted in favor of the Iranian regime while 68 abstained.

The minutes of the Third Committee of the General Assembly of the United Nations, dated 14 November 2017, related to alleged human rights violations in Iran indicate a difference in the positions of states on the file. 

Algeria voted to abstain, a similar position adopted by other Arab countries such as Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Kuwait, Jordan and Libya, Mauritania and Sudan.

Among the Arab countries that voted for the resolution were Bahrain, Yemen, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, while Iraq and Syria refused to condemn the Iranian regime.

In this connection, it is worth recalling the official visit paid by former Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal to Tehran in November 2015 and his meeting with the Supreme Leader of the Iranian Revolution, Ali Khamenei,  who called on Algeria to form a united front, stressing that “the Islamic countries are keen to be united with each other through dialogue so as to work out a practical option to confront the nefarious terrorists,” while Abdelmalek Sellal, asserted : “the stance on the issue upheld by the Republic of Iran is very close to the view of Algeria as part of the unflagging struggle against the terrorism scourge”.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif visited Algeria shortly after his country signed the nuclear agreement with the West. 

The visits continued with the holding of the large joint cooperation committee in Algiers. Several agreements were then signed between Algeria and Iran in the economic field, including the setting up of a factory for the manufacturing of brand-new vehicles in Algeria.

A few days ago, Foreign affairs Minister Abdelkader Messahel highlighted Algeria’s firm commitment to the cardinal principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states and its keenness to establish equal and well-balanced relations with all parties. 

Last year, a list of 11 Arab states lodged a complaint with the United Nations against Iran on charges of allegedly supporting terrorism in the region.

Algeria however has steadfastly pursued a policy of positive neutrality in conflicts in the Arab region.