Morocco renews call for release of Moroccans detained in southern algeria
Morocco-European Union, Politics, 4/23/2003

Morocco on Tuesday renewed a call for the immediate release of Moroccan nationals detained by the Polisario separatists in the camps of Tindouf, south-western Algeria.

The call was reiterated by Moroccan Human Rights minister, Mohammed Aujjar, after a meeting with Dominique Rambaud, Euro-deputy in charge of relations with the Maghreb and coordinator of the initiative "Passport to Freedom."

Aujjar recalled the "disastrous conditions" of the Moroccan detainees, considered the longest serving prisoners of war in the world. He stressed that this situation is a blatant violation of international conventions, especially those of Geneva.

Rambaud's visit to Morocco is part of the European Parliament's efforts to put an end to this "humanitarian catastrophe," the minister said, adding that the same calls have been heard from the United Nations Secretary General, the European commission and all human rights NGOs.

Mohammed Aujjar, who lauded the world's rising awareness of the issue, called on the international community and all parties concerned to assume their responsibilities and move to apply the Geneva Convention.

Dominique Rambaud said her talks with Aujjar focused on the Moroccan detainees' issue, and that a "Passport to Freedom" will be extended to the family of Mimouni Zegai, a Moroccan serviceman held captive in Tindouf since 1976.

The "Passport to Freedom" initiative was launched in 2000 by member of the Parliament Alain Madelin, who was joined by other representatives of various political trends.

The document is awarded to persons active in human rights and whose security and freedom are threatened.

The MPS, who sign the passport, pledge to do their utmost to guarantee to its holder freedom of expression, free movement and safe life.

The Polisario still hold 1,160 Moroccans as prisoners of war.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco calls U.N. to move to free 1,160 Moroccans captive in Algeria   (4/10/2003)
  World organization against torture urges Polisario to immediately free moroccan pows   (4/7/2003)
  Morocco urges Red Cross to intensify help to Moroccan POWs   (4/3/2003)
  Moroccan imprisoned servicemen to receive European parliament's passport for freedom   (3/15/2003)

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