Silence is better than response to Morocco, says Algeria foreign minister

The Algerian foreign minister Ramtane Laamamra defended Algeria’s position toward Morocco’s hostile attitude, saying it is a wise position as it takes in consideration the country’s interests.

“Sometimes, silent is more eloquent than response,” Laamamra told a press conference on Sunday in Algiers.

He added that Algeria wants to take part in the investigation about the “torn flag” at its consulate in Morocco.  

“They say it is an isolated act but we reject this hypothesis. I believe that this disagreement is a sufficient reason to be involved

in the investigation.”

“I do not want to give an impression that the press conference is about the Algerian-Moroccan conflict. Algeria has its own principal

positions and has enough capacity to defend its interests. It has sufficient support at the international scene as it is attached to the

international law. We will not spare any effort to defend our sovereignty and our country’s symbols,” he said.

He added that Algeria is not involved in the Western Sahara issue as it just repeats what the United Nations and its Secretary General say.

Speaking about Jhon Kerry’s postponed visit to Algiers, Laamamra said relations with the US are strong and in continuous development. “Trade

volume between the two countries is larger than all the exchanges with North African nations including Egypt.”

“Strategic relations evolved and are not limited in counterterrorism-related information anymore. Common interests are now

an important factor in this rapprochement,” he added.

Laamamra also said Kerry’s visit was postponed and not banned. The US State Secretary explained to the Algerian side the reasons behind the

postponement in a phone call.

Asked about a visit paid by a European parliamentary delegation to Algeria, the minister said he had not been told about any pressure on

the country about the forthcoming presidential elections.

“The European observers’ report about the last legislative elections included 32 recommendations. Algeria approved 17 of them. The

remaining ones will be examined as part of the country’s sovereignty respect. 

Laamamra said he met the family of Algerian hostages in the Sahel region Sunday. He also spoke about Algerian nationals jailed in Iraq,

saying the government follows up their case and was told by the Iraqi government that the issue is examined.

“The Algerian side is ready to visit Iraq to solve this problem and we expect a visit from an Iraqi prominent personality to Algeria,” he added.