Morocco insists on sub-regional, bilateral action to promote political stability, economic development in Africa
Morocco-Regional, Politics, 1/30/2002

Morocco is convinced that sub-regional and bilateral action by countries is necessary to promote political stability and economic development in Africa, said Tuesday, Morocco's state secretary for foreign affairs and cooperation, Taieb Fassi Fihri.

The official, who is taking part in the high-level debate at the UN Security Council on the situation in Africa, recalled Morocco's key role in materializing the ideal of African unity and its constant attachment to defending and safeguarding all African interests. "Morocco has never hesitated in participating in UN peace keeping and restoration operations in Africa, whether in Congo, Somalia or Angola," he insisted.

He went on that if Africa is often the topic of the UN security council sessions, it is because the situation in this continent persists and even worsens and because it wants the international community further involved in Africa's security and development.

The continent has also tried, with some success, to take regional and sub-regional initiatives to settle some conflicts, he said.

As regards democratization, governance, human rights respect, economic reforms, the Moroccan official underscored that undeniable progress has been achieved in several parts of Africa while much remains to be done to stabilize the continent and give it a place in the globalization process. The nature and complexity of conflicts marked by the involvement of cross-border networks which are after particular interests, by ethnic enmities and direct consequences of artificial and arbitrary boundaries should be addressed in a specific and appropriate manner.

He also warned that this situation is all the more hazardous as it is encouraged by illegal movements of weapons, the use of children in armed conflicts and the exploitation of raw materials returns for war ends.

He deplored the conditions of African populations are growing worse and worse, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to live in permanent exodus and face famine, epidemics and other hazards. Taieb Fassi Fihri launched an appeal to the international community to address in a comprehensive manner conflicts, taking into account its political, economic, social and humanitarian dimensions. Also, he insisted, Africa should also consolidate its state institutions and develop small projects for the improvement of the populations living conditions.

He recalled Africa's NEPAD program geared towards inducing growth and sustained development in the continent through a new partnership with the international community. After he insisted that each African nation is responsible for its fate, he voiced Morocco's readiness to contribute in implementing a work plan in partnership with the international community to help Africa get out of instability and ensure development.

Morocco, being the closest African country to Europe, is endeavoring for the deepening of relations between countries located north of the Sahara and sub-Saharan countries and for the promotion of an ambitious partnership between Africa and Europe, he said.

The Moroccan official also said Morocco supports the creation of a mechanism to follow up the comprehensive strategy for the African continent.

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