Washington does not seek to impose reforms in Arab states, ambassador
Regional-USA, Politics, 3/13/2004

The United States Administration does not seek to impose reforms on Arab countries, asserted Friday, the US ambassador to Morocco.

"Arab countries are sovereign nations that have their own interests," said Tomas T. Riley in an interview with the Moroccan weekly "La vie Eco."

The US diplomat who was commenting the reaction to the Bush initiative of "Greater Middle East," said his country is aware of the fact that "no plan can succeed unless the countries of the region find in it their interest."

Bush's initiative, largely criticized in the Arab states, consists of a broad "package" that encourages regional democratic, social and economic reforms in the region. The idea is to improve conditions across the region in an attempt to eliminate frustrations and social injustices that provide fertile ground for terrorism and extremist ideology.

Asked about the "silence" on resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict, the US ambassador said: "the support to democratic reforms is in no way a substitute to the peace process in the Middle East." He explained in this regard that his country is carrying on efforts to reach a just and final settlement to this conflict.

As far as Morocco is concerned, the US diplomat said his government is ready to support the kingdom's reforms "if the Moroccan side wishes to."

He said President Bush, Secretary of State Collin Powell as well as other high-ranking officials "consider Morocco as a leading country in the field of reforms in the region."

Previous Stories:
  Islamic MPs reject us great middle east initiative   (3/12/2004)
  American moves in Cairo, Arab ministerial council adopts the Egyptian initiative   (3/2/2004)
  Arab ministerial meeting to define position towards the America initiative   (2/27/2004)

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