Morocco's King, US President Bush call for quick settlement of Sahara issue
Morocco-USA, Politics, 7/10/2004

King Mohammed VI of Morocco and U.S. President George W. Bush on Thursday called for a quick settlement of the Sahara issue that would pave the way for prosperity in the North West African region of the Maghreb.

This came at a meeting at the White House between the monarch, currently on a working visit to the U.S. and President Bush.

Both leaders "agreed on the need to resolve the Western Sahara problem as soon as possible in a manner that best enhances the security and prosperity of the people of Morocco, Algeria, and Mauritania," White House press secretary, Scott Mclellan, said.

The Sahara issue is opposing Morocco to the Algeria-backed Polisario separatist movement "Polisario" that is seeking the separation of Morocco's southern provinces (Sahara) from the rest of the Kingdom. The former Spanish colony was retrieved by Morocco in 1975 under the Madrid accords, signed with Mauritania and the Spain.

Talks between the two leaders also dealt with bilateral and international issues.

"The President emphasized to King Mohamed his desire to see the Free Trade Agreement ratified this year and to see Morocco meet MCA eligibility standards as soon as possible. Countries like Morocco are leaders in advancing the cause of peace and prosperity, and deserve our full support," the White House spokesman said.

The sovereign, "a great friend to the American people," and President Bush, reviewed the "excellent state of bilateral relations, including ways to make the most of the upcoming Free Trade Agreement, Morocco's new status as a Major Non-NATO Ally, and Morocco's effort to achieve eligibility for the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA)," Mclellan added.

The two leaders also discussed Iraq, Middle East peace, cooperation in the global war on terrorism, positive developments in Libya, and the Western Sahara, he noted.

"The President and His Majesty discussed ways Morocco can exert its leadership and privileged position of trust and confidence to help advance the cause of Middle East peace."

Also exchanged were views on the Broader Middle East and North Africa initiatives recently adopted by the G-8 and at the U.S.-EU and NATO summits.

The President thanked King Mohamed for Morocco's support for, and participation in these important efforts, the spokesman went on.

"The President also commended the King's visionary leadership in enhancing the economic and political opportunities for all Moroccans. The United States welcomes the King's recent initiatives to advance social and cultural progress in Morocco, as well as his laudable leadership in ensuring equal participation by women in all sectors of Moroccan society."

"America is lucky to have a friend such as Morocco, and thanks His Majesty King Mohamed VI for his leadership," he concluded.

Previous Stories:
  US House likely to vote Morocco-US FTA this month, Representative   (7/9/2004)
  Bush praises King's efforts to consolidate democracy in Morocco   (7/9/2004)
  Royal visit to Washington, new impetus to Morocco-US longstanding relations   (7/8/2004)

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