Cutting diplomatic ties with Iran : Rabat denies having been pressured by foreign countries

The ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation denied Wednesday that Morocco’s decision to break off its diplomatic relations with Iran was taken under pressure from some countries, reports MAP news agency.

«Following the rupture by the Kingdom of Morocco of its diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, some circles, in need of arguments, claimed that the Kingdom would have taken this decision under pressure from some countries», said the ministry in a statement issued Wednesday.

Responding to the Moroccan decision, Iran denied supporting the Polisario Front. Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi told local media on Wednesday that «the accusations are completely baseless» and that Iran respect the sovereignty of all countries.

After announcing that the Kingdom is cutting diplomatic ties with the Persian state, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita stressed that the ministry has «irrefutable proof, names, and specific actions to corroborate the complicity between the Polisario and Hezbollah», proving Hezbollah’s involvement», accusing Lebanese Militia Hezbollah of providing support for the Polisario.

The ministry also replied to the separatist movement’s allegations accusing Morocco of escaping the recent Security Council resolution. «Firstly, the Security Council resolutions adopted in recent years have all strengthened Morocco's position and recognized the pre-eminence of its Autonomy Initiative», added the ministry.

Also, the last resolution merely reflected the position of the international community, which converges with that of Morocco, particularly on the violations by the Polisario of the ceasefire, it added.

The Moroccan decision in no way concerns the friendly Iranian and Lebanese populations, who are strangers to this kind of hostile actions, taken by Hezbollah in connivance with the Polisario and under the blessing of Iran, concluded the ministry.