Morocco gets high praise for its democratic ways from US Congress
Morocco-USA, Politics, 8/4/1998

Ninety members of the US Congress, including influential members of the House of Representatives, have urged president Bill Clinton "to undertake all appropriate steps to strengthen American-Moroccan cooperation" on the basis of shared values and interests.

In a letter addressed last week to the White House Chief, the US congressmen, representing both the majority Republican party and the Democratic party, have recalled the secular longstanding friendship ties existing between the United States and Morocco which they described as "a steadfast ally to Washington since World War I, through World War II and the Cold War."

The letter, worded by congressman Benjamin Gilman, Republican deputy of New York and chairman of the International Affairs committee, said "Morocco has consistently demonstrated a strong Commitment to peace, stability and constitutional Democracy."

"Morocco continues to stand as a bulwark against the extremism prevalent in the Region," the US congressmen said, affirming the Kingdom must "be commended for working to resolve the conflict in the Western Sahara through the efforts of former Secretary of State James Baker in furtherance of the United Nations settlement Plan."

The Congressmen who pointed out that "Morocco's commitment to democracy and human rights is an example for the region," noted that the Kingdom "was last year the first nation in the region where opposition parties came to power freely and peacefully through popular Elections."

In their letter, the congressmen also underlined the role played by Morocco, under the leadership of King Hassan II, in the promotion of peace in the Middle East.

Here Follows the full text of the letter addressed by the congressmen to president Clinton:

"We write to you today to reaffirm our view that Morocco is a long-standing friend of the United States and an important partner on many international issues.

In 1777, Morocco was the first government to recognize the United States as an independent nation and continues to promote our joint economic and security interests in North Africa and the Middle East Region.

Morocco has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to peace, stability, and constitutional democracy. It has been a steadfast ally of the United States since World War I, through World War II and the Cold War.

As a tolerant, multi-racial and multi-ethnic islamic society, Morocco continues to stand as a bulwark against the extremism prevalent in the Region. Morocco is to be particularly commended for working to resolve the conflict in the Western Sahara through the efforts of former Secretary of State James Baker in furtherance of the United Nations settlement Plan.

Under the leadership of his Majesty King Hassan II, Morocco played an important role in the promotion of Peace between Israel and the Arab States. King Hassan II's vision, credibility, and commitment have been valuable in advancing the prospects for a broad based peace in the region. King Hassan II is to be encouraged to continue to play a positive role in the region, so that stable and ongoing relations between Morocco and Israel and all of Israel's neighbors can be achieved.

Morocco's commitment to democracy and human rights is an example for the region. Last year, Morocco was the first nation in the region where opposition parties came to power freely and peacefully through popular elections.

In the economic sphere, Morocco's commitment to free trade, privatization, a free market economy and enhanced economic trade and investment with the United States has led, in the last year, to a more than 300 percent increase in direct investment from the United States.

The United States and Morocco are long-standing friends and girded by common values and interests. Expanded commercial and cultural exchange will benefit both nations.

Recognizing the linkage between stability, security and economic development, we urge you and your Administration to undertake all appropriate steps to strengthen U.S.-Moroccan Cooperation."

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