U.S. backs congressional call for reinforcement of ties with Morocco
Morocco-USA, Politics, 8/13/1998

The U.S government has expressed its backing to the congressional call for the consolidation of Moroccan-U.S ties and said it supports strong U.S-Moroccan relations.

The assistant spokesman for the State Department, Lee McLenny, on Wednesday said that his department "is very much in support of strong U.S-Moroccan relations."

The official, who was answering a question from MAP's bureau in Washington, underlined that "Morocco is one of America's closest allies and long-standing friends in the region" and that "the United states and Morocco cooperate closely in a number of areas, including promoting peace between Arabs and Israelis and expanded commercial and cultural exchanges."

On the issue of Western Sahara, the assistant spokesman said, "We continue to urge Morocco to work with the United Nations to resolve the conflict."

Ninety members of the US congress, including influential members of the House of Representatives, recently addressed a letter to president Bill Clinton urging him "to undertake all appropriate steps to strengthen American-Moroccan cooperation" on the basis of shared values and interests.

The congressmen, representing both the majority Republican party and the Democratic party, have recalled the secular long-standing friendship ties existing between the United States and Morocco, "a steadfast ally to Washington." They also praised the kingdom for having "consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to peace, stability and constitutional democracy."

"As a tolerant, multi-ethnic Islamic society, Morocco continues to stand as a bulwark against the extremism prevalent in the region," the congressmen wrote, adding that "Morocco's commitment to democracy and human rights is an example for the region" and that the kingdom was "the first nation in the region where opposition parties came to power freely and peacefully through popular elections."

The congressmen also commended "the important role" played by Morocco in the promotion of peace between Israel and Arab states, pointing out that "King Hassan II's vision, credibility, and commitment have been valuable in advancing the prospects for a broad based peace in the region."

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

Previous Stories:
  King Hassan condemns U.S. embassies bombings   (8/11/1998)
  King Hassan receives U.S. Congressmen   (8/11/1998)
  Close Morocco-US relations, a result of exceptional Moroccan progress   (7/28/1998)

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