Morocco, Libya endeavor to resume air flights, Youssoufi
Morocco-Libya, Economics, 2/4/2000

Morocco and Libya are endeavoring to resume air flights between the two states after Tripoli adopted a positive stand on the issue, said Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat daily published Friday, Youssoufi said Moroccan and Libyan officials and technicians are pondering on the resumption of flights between the two states. The resumption of flights-- that had been suspended following the air embargo decreed against Libya in 1992 in view of the Lockerbie affair-- was discussed by the Moroccan-Libyan high joint commission held the Libyan city of Benghazi last November.

The two sides had then called for the resumption of air connections as a means to promote economic relations.

Youssoufi had said that the absence of flights between the two North African countries is a major obstacle to the promotion of trade exchanges which have dropped since 1996.

Up to June 1999, Morocco's exports to Libya -- finished and semi-finished consumption goods-- were worth $71.83 million while imports --fertilizers, chemical products, iron and steel-- amounted to $11.46 million.

In his interview with Asharq Al Awsat, Youssoufi described Moroccan-Libyan relations as "deep and brotherly" and recalled that Morocco has always sided with Libya and spared no effort within international fora to alleviate the effects of the embargo on Libya.

Morocco and Libya are both members of the Arab Maghreb Union that also musters Algeria, Mauritania and Tunisia.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco and Libya consolidate fishery cooperation   (1/31/2000)
  Libya backs Morocco's world cup bid   (1/12/2000)
  Morocco, Libya sign packages of cooperation accords   (11/16/1999)

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