King Mohammed receives message from Spanish head of government
Morocco-Spain, Politics, 6/12/2003

Morocco's King Mohammed VI received Wednesday a message from Spain's president, Jose Maria Aznar, as a reply to a letter Moroccan foreign minister, Mohammed Benaissa, had transmitted to the Spanish official.

In his reply, Aznar said he looked with deep interest into the content of the royal letter, and thanked the sovereign, expressing respect for the sincerity and spirit of friendship of the royal message, pointing out to the king's appreciation of Spain's support to Morocco in its relations with Europe, and stressing that this support is the result of deep reflection and a determined decision.

On the current situation of Moroccan-Spanish ties, Jose Maria Aznar says he shares king Mohammed VI's opinion. It is truly on the basis of mutual trust and consideration of mutual interests that solid and stable partnership relations can be established, for the benefit of the two countries and the western Mediterranean region.

The solidarity expressed during recent months over highly sensitive events evidences such spirit of partnership, Aznar added, stressing that the abominable attacks that shook Casablanca (last May 16) confirm that terrorism is the major enemy, not only of democracy and freedoms, but also of all forms of civilization. Spain has, unfortunately, repeatedly suffered from terrorist attacks, he recalled.

The courageous, immediate and determined response of the Moroccan people and government, and particularly that of His Majesty the king, constitute an example of determination against this plague of our era, wrote Aznar, adding that terrorists have targeted Moroccans and Spanish shared values. This, he said, will only bring the two kingdoms closer, inflicting a serious setback to these acts' authors and adding to the despair of the cowards who encouraged, inspired and backed them.

Aznar thanks king Mohammed VI for the clear and detailed presentation of the latest developments in the Sahara issue, saying he agrees with the sovereign's view that this issue should be settled for the sake of the region's stability, good neighborliness relations in northern Africa and perspectives of integration of the Maghreb Union.

Spain, which is currently member of the United Nations security council, has ceaselessly expressed its concern over the conflict, Aznar said, adding that his country's position, like in the past, backs the efforts of the United Nations, its secretary general and his personal envoy, for a consensual solution which would be in conformtity with international legality, a fair and reliable one.

Only such a solution would guarantee regional stability pursued by both Morocco and Spain, he said, deeming that the peaceful and definitive denouement sought by everyone requires generosity and long-term vision from the involved parties.

Previous Stories:
  Spanish politicians satisfied with normalization of Moroccan-Spanish relations   (6/10/2003)
  Morocco, Spain commit to upgrading ties   (6/7/2003)
  Moroccan, Spanish prime ministers satisfied over headway in bilateral ties   (6/6/2003)

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