Morocco says it is premature to envision its ambassador's return to Madrid
Morocco-Spain, Politics, 4/6/2002

Morocco has said that it is premature to envision the return of its ambassador to Spain to his post in Madrid, although it conceded that positive signals exist in this connection.

"It is premature to envision today the return of the Moroccan ambassador to Spain to his post in Madrid," but "it is obvious that there are positive signals in this connection," Moroccan foreign affairs and cooperation minister, Mohamed Benaissa, told Maroc-Hebdo International weekly.

Relations between Morocco and Spain were not severed, and Morocco only called back its ambassador for consultation, he said, adding the move was meant to show Morocco's anger at the way Spain, which is bound to Morocco by a friendship, cooperation and neighborliness treaty, handles relations with Rabat.

Benaissa added that Morocco has a firm will to have the best possible political relations and cooperation with Spain based on a frank, balanced and responsible dialogue that is respectful for the two countries' institutions and that takes into account their interests.

"It is necessary to start with our Spanish friends a deep dialogue on important issues in a bid to clear once and for all any ambiguity that can trouble our future relations," he said.

"We have to identify pending issues and serenely study them in order to settle the reasons that pushed Morocco to call back its ambassador," he said, adding "it is unacceptable to hear Spanish officials repeatedly claim they do not understand or know why the ambassador was called back for consultation."

"This kind of discourse should be halted and we should progress in dealing with our problems with courage, frankness and friendship," Benaissa said.

Previous Stories:
  Sahara issue not the only divergence between Morocco and Spain, official   (3/22/2002)
  Morocco renews wish for friendship ties with Spain   (3/9/2002)
  Moroccan delegation visits Barcelona   (3/7/2002)

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