Makhzen’s Expropriation of Algerian Embassy Premises: Djir’s thought-provoking analysis delves into implications, violations of Vienna Convention, and potential Zionist influences

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

ALGIERS- In a riveting episode of his show “Question Mark” on Dzair Tube, Algerian journalist Belkacem Djir ignited a crucial dialogue surrounding the expropriation of the Algerian embassy premises in Rabat by the Moroccan government. Djir’s incisive commentary shed light on the motivations, implications, and potential violations of international agreements in this alarming development.

Djir raised fundamental questions about the Moroccan government’s decision, stating that it signifies a breach of Algerian sovereignty and provokes escalating tensions between the two nations. He highlighted the significance of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, emphasizing that the seizure of diplomatic premises violates the inviolability and immunity granted to such missions under international law.

Drawing from Article 22 of the Vienna Convention, Djir elucidated the strict prohibitions against any seizure, attachment, or execution action targeting diplomatic premises. He underscored the obligation of host countries to respect and safeguard embassy buildings, property, and archives, even in cases of severed diplomatic relations or armed conflict.

“It appears to be a provocative and hostile act, potentially signaling a breach of Algerian sovereignty. This action defies international norms and agreements, such as the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The incident prompts concerns about escalating tensions between Morocco and Algeria,” he said, noting that the Vienna Convention safeguards diplomatic missions’ immunity.

He explained, “According to Article 22 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, signed in 1961 and ratified by 191 countries, including Morocco, diplomatic missions’ premises enjoy inviolability. Government representatives accredited to these missions cannot enter their buildings without the consent of the head of the mission. Any seizure, attachment, or execution action against diplomatic premises is strictly prohibited under this convention.”

He further noted: “Article 45 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations extends the protection of diplomatic missions’ premises, even in cases of severed diplomatic relations between two countries or if a mission is permanently or temporarily recalled. The host country is obligated, even during armed conflict, to respect and safeguard the embassy’s buildings, as well as its property and archives. This means that despite any conflict or war, Morocco is bound to respect the premises of the Algerian embassy.”

In this vein, Djir condemned Morocco’s violation of the Vienna Convention as evidence of authoritarian expansionism and disregard for international agreements. He linked these actions to potential Zionist interests, questioning the regime’s motives and highlighting concerns about its role as a tool for advancing Zionist agendas in the region.

“The violation of the Vienna Convention by Morocco serves as evidence of its authoritarian and expansionist regime, disregarding international agreements. Algeria’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with Morocco three years ago now appears justified, warning against Morocco’s malicious intentions. This underscores the assertion that the extended hand of Mohammed VI is fundamentally one of deceit,” he highlighted.

And to add: “The actions of the Moroccan regime, seemingly motivated by its own agenda or potentially influenced by Zionist interests, raise questions about its intentions. With the regime increasingly serving as a functional tool for Zionist agendas in the region, its recent escalations prompt inquiries into its motives. Could the recent symbolic representation of the Rif Republic in Algeria have provoked these actions?”

Delving into Morocco’s internal dynamics, Djir raised poignant questions about the regime’s priorities amidst internal turmoil and social pressures. He called for the restitution of seized lands and buildings by the Zionists to the Moroccan people and criticized the regime’s support for Zionist occupation forces, urging a cessation of normalization with that criminal entity in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Additionally, Djir pointed out the hypocrisy of the Moroccan regime in its reactions to diplomatic engagements, citing the disparate responses to the visits of the UN Personal Envoy for Western Sahara to South Africa and Moscow. He highlighted accusations of political hypocrisy and underscored the need for consistency in diplomatic interactions.

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