US leading businessman says Morocco is a strong ally in peace and business
Morocco-USA, Business, 10/17/1998

US leading businessman, Lester Pollack, stressed that interest in Morocco is growing both among business people and people in the government of the USA.

Pollack told MAP office in Washington that US officials and business people recognize as very positive the reform, the encouragement of the opposition to participate in the government and the privatization. He added that Morocco is therefore being recognized as a strong ally and partner in peace and business.

Pollack's statement was made in a comment on a congress call last July to president Bill Clinton for the consolidation of Moroccan-US ties. Ninety members of the US congress, including most influential members of the House of Representatives, have lately addressed a letter to the chief executive 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 longstanding 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 pointed out 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 concluded.

The U.S government expressed backing to the congress call and to strong U.S-Moroccan relations.

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

The official 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."

Previous Stories:
  German businessmen in Morocco   (10/15/1998)
  Tender for Casablanca subway construction to be launched shortly   (10/12/1998)
  Morocco's economic and political stability highlighted in Washington   (10/9/1998)

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