Moroccan-French interior ministers voice convergence of views
Morocco-France, Politics, 5/24/2003

Morocco's Interior minister, Mustapha Sahel and French peer Nicholas Sarkozy voiced "a total and complete convergence of views" on all the issues they have debated in Rabat on Friday.

"We talked about the Casablanca terrorist attacks as well as issues that are within our respective prerogatives," said Sahel in a press conference.

"Terrorist is casting its threat worldwide," he stressed, noting that "no country can face it on its own and that a close cooperation between all the countries is the only way to fight this scourge."

"All the countries part of the Euro-Mediterranean region have the collective responsibility to engage in a close cooperation and combine their efforts to eradicate terrorism," he went on.

The Moroccan official further said that he examined with his French peer a string of issues that "brought out a convergence of views," which he added "will allow us to act efficiently and promptly on the operational level."

While voicing confidence as to the consolidation of cooperation between the two ministries, Sahel termed this cooperation as "close" and "excellent."

The Moroccan official recalled that the Casablanca bombings "are certainly linked to international terrorism," due to the methods used and the quasi-military and clandestine organization.

"Our strong presumptions linking the attacks to international terrorism are being substantiated," he said, adding that the public opinion will be informed in due time.

Sarkozy, who brought out "the intensity of the examined issues," put the stress on "the convergence of views" between the two sides.

"As the President of the Republic before me, I was intent on expressing to the Moroccan people the solidarity of the French people, that has been touched by the tragedy that unfolded in Casablanca," said Sarkozy.

The talks zeroed in on ways to enhance the French and Moroccan peoples' security in a pragmatic way that will ultimately lead to the eradication of terrorism, he went on.

To a question on the consolidation of cooperation between the two countries' police, Sarkozy answered that the meeting took place in the presence of French and Moroccan high intelligence officials, stressing that this cooperation must be undertaken in a regular way.

Previous Stories:
  Jacques Chirac: we will support morocco come what may   (5/22/2003)
  French FM calls for realistic, lasting settlement of Sahara issue   (4/11/2003)
  Moroccan, French FMs hold talks   (4/10/2003)

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