France supports Moroccan king's proposal for Mediterranean forum meeting
Morocco-France, Politics, 10/3/2001

France fully supports the proposal made by Morocco's King Mohammed VI to hold an extraordinary meeting of the Mediterranean forum, which is a timely initiative, said Tuesday French foreign minister, Hubert Vedrine, following a meeting with King Mohammed VI.

The head of the French diplomacy stressed we approve this proposal and I will participate with pleasure to this meeting. We are currently trying to an adequate date, but it will be held shortly, he went on.

This is a very good proposal because it is within this forum that discussions are very open and marked by confidence between southern European and North African countries, he said. If there is a space in the world that should be one of dialogue and exchanges between cultures and civilizations and avoid clashes to set an example for the whole world, it is the Mediterranean, he argued.

Regarding his talks with the sovereign, he said French authorities are keen on holding close contacts with authorities in the Maghreb, particularly with Morocco, in view of the existing close links and the role that these countries can play in this stage of international developments consecutive to last September attacks against the USA. He added that France and Morocco share the same analysis regarding the legitimacy of the US envisioned response which should be precise and well-targeted. Meanwhile, he went, France and Morocco are resolved to fight terrorism and all its reasons and this cooperation will be lasting one, as is the case now.

Vedrine also explained that his tour in the Maghreb (Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco) is the result of a clear will to listen to each other and evaluate the situation, adding that he was happy to find out that Morocco and France share the same analysis of the situation and the same approach on how to handle this major crisis and the fight against terrorism while avoiding amalgam.

"We all wish in Europe that the response targets terrorism and those who sponsor it," We also think, as (Colin) Powell (US secretary of state) said two days after the attacks, that all this is an additional reason to make peace in the middle east."

Few western countries are more engaged than France in the quest of peace in the near east and since peace has not yet been attained, efforts have to be carried on ceaselessly and we will do this with an ever stronger energy, he insisted.

For Morocco's minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, the visit to Morocco by Vedrine and his Spanish and Portuguese peers are evidence to the importance of Morocco's role in its strategic relations with the European Union and the importance of its initiatives to reach a greater solidarity in the fight against terrorism in the region and worldwide.

He also underscored the total support enjoyed by the sovereign's proposal to hold a meeting of the Mediterranean forum foreign ministers in the coming days.

The idea to hold a meeting of the forum, set up in 1994, was proposed last week by King Mohammed VI at a session with Portuguese foreign minister, Jaime Gama. The session will debate implications of the fight against terrorism and strategies for cooperation between countries sharing the same ideas on international stability.

The forum, mustering Algeria, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey, is an informal platform for consultation and dialogue between these Mediterranean countries.

Previous Stories:
  French foreign minister on visit to Morocco   (10/2/2001)
  Moroccan parliamentary delegation visits France   (9/29/2001)
  King Mohammed holds phone talks with France's Chirac on attacks against USA   (9/14/2001)

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