Russia supports political solution to Sahara issue
Morocco-Russia, Politics, 1/31/2002

Russia is convinced that only a political solution can settle the Sahara issue, said here Wednesday Russian foreign minister, Igor Ivanov.

The head of the Russian diplomacy told MAP following his meeting with Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, his country backs the United Nations settlement plan which was approved by parties but welcomes any other proposal based on the plan principles and accepted by parties.

Ivanov also noted that Russia is interested in seeing the problem settled as the Sahara issue complicates the situation in the (Maghreb) region and hinders the Maghreban countries integration process.

Russia will be using the high level of its relations with both Algeria and Morocco to contribute to settling the issue, he went on.

Morocco is satisfied over the Russian attitude in the Sahara issue, said Benaissa before stressing that his talks with his Russian peer have opened a new era in bilateral cooperation.

Of the situation in the Middle east, the head of the Moroccan diplomacy said Rabat and Moscow support a fair political solution to the Palestinian issue and insist that Israel's security depends on a genuinely constructive dialogue with the Palestinian authority to establish a sovereign Palestinian state.

He added that Morocco and Russia also share the same views that the struggle against terrorism should encompass all forms of terrorism and that the international community should unite in this endeavor.

The Morocco minister of foreign affairs and cooperation left Moscow Wednesday after a 24-hour visit during which he handed to his Russian peer a message from King Mohammed VI to Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Benaissa said the two countries are willing to give a new impetus to their cooperation in various fields and hoist them to the level of excellent political ties.

Russia highly appreciates stances by King Mohammed VI on major international and regional issues, said Ivanov before stressing that in 2001 Morocco became Russia's second major partner in Africa.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco insists on sub-regional, bilateral action to promote political stability, economic development in Africa   (1/30/2002)
  Moroccan FM visits Russia   (1/30/2002)
  Members of the Moroccan Sahara association meet French ngos   (1/26/2002)
  Settlement of Sahara issue lies in UN framework-agreement, Moroccan fm   (1/21/2002)
  Morocco's new ambassador to Russia hands credentials to Putin   (3/13/2001)
  Russia understands Moroccan stand in fishery talks with EU, ambassador   (11/11/2000)

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