Moroccan FM calls Arab states to push aside artificial disagreements
Morocco-Regional, Politics, 2/18/2003

It is time for Arabs to "push aside their artificial disagreements which only benefit others," and focus on their situation, Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohammed Benaissa, said.

Speaking at a program aired by Morocco's first TV channel TVM, the head of the Moroccan diplomacy deplored the time, energy and human and material efforts wasted by the Arab states in their internal disagreements. He explained that the Arab and Islamic nation, targeted by a libel campaign since the 9/11 events, need to act urgently to preserve the genuine image of Islam and Moslems, and secure Arabs' legitimate rights.

On the Iraqi issue, Mohammed Benaissa voiced hope that the United Nations will find a solution to avoid war, while implementing the Security Council's resolutions.

Despite a hectic international situation, Morocco did not forget the Palestinian issue, which remains a "major cause" in Morocco, the official said, adding "we remain constantly mobilized to defend it, and will keep on calling for a solution that preserves Palestinians' right to existence and living in dignity, and provides for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with Al-Qods (Jerusalem) as a capital.

Benaissa said the Moroccan diplomacy's priorities consist in defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the kingdom, the Islamic religion and all the components of the Moroccan identity.

It works incessantly to spread a genuine image of modern Morocco and make known its political, social, democratic and human rights development, he said, adding that Morocco's foreign policy privileges economic diplomacy.

As to Morocco's relationships with neighbor Algeria and Spain, the foreign minister said there is a reciprocal will to boost them and examine "frankly and realistically" all bilateral issues, insisting that all the objectives will be fulfilled if confidence, good intentions and firm will are there.

During talks between Moroccan officials and Spanish and Algerian FM who visited Morocco recently, there was an agreement on the need to make an inventory of pending bilateral issues, he said.

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