Moroccan FM says outcome of Arab meeting on Iraq is positive
Regional-Morocco, Politics, 1/26/1999

Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Abdellatif Filali, said the outcome of the meeting held Sunday here by Arab foreign ministers, can be considered as "positive" in view of the present circumstances in the Arab world.

Filali, who led the Moroccan delegation to the meeting, told MAP on the eve of the session, a failure of the encounter was expected in view of evident divergences between Arab sides, especially between Iraq and Gulf states. He went on that following the opening of the session, things started to change and there was even an atmosphere of serenity.

The Minister who deplored Iraq's withdrawal said the outcome should prompt some optimism, especially that the Arab league ministerial meeting was the first in eight years to address in-depth issues in the presence of all concerned parties, including Iraq. He added that the overwhelming majority of Arab states has grown convinced that it is necessary to start discussing real problems and seeking appropriate solutions.

Despite the evident divergence between the major protagonists (Iraq and the Gulf states), he went on, the intensive consultations helped reach results that can be considered as positive in view of the present circumstances in the Arab world.

For the head of the Moroccan diplomacy, it is clear that it was impossible to reach a better consensus that the final statement which includes some balance.

On Morocco's participation, he said the Moroccan delegation submitted proposals and suggestions, both in its own name or within Maghreban states which held a meeting with the Five countries that sponsored a final statement project. He explained that these proposals have contributed to "moderating" stances and countries realized that they could not ignore the positions of an important region of the Arab world.

For the Moroccan foreign minister, Sunday's meeting was a start as it was impossible to settle in one meeting problems that accumulated for eight years. He added that what is important is that all parties are now aware of the need to turn the page and envision new perspectives so that the Arab world is no longer outcast.

Filali, who deplored Iraq walkout expressed optimism that dialogue will be carried on with Iraq to settle all pending issues.

He also called Iraq to cooperate for the enforcement of all items on the final statement. In this regard, he recalled Morocco's positions to contain the problem, thanks to the initiatives of King Hassan II who spared no effort to reach this goal.

He added that the Moroccan king has always insisted on the need to carry on contacts and dialogue between all the concerned parties saying that "detente signs are visible" and Morocco will persevere in this path.

To a question on whether the foreign ministers talked about the convening of an Arab summit, Filali answered that there are still problems and obstacles that need to be resolved but this does not stand in the way of creating conditions for the holding of the summit that has become "a necessity."

Morocco is carrying on contacts at the Arab and international levels to settle all pending problems, overcome negative aspects in the Arab situation and gather conditions needed for an Arab summit, he concluded.

Previous Stories:
  Iraqi delegation withdraws from meeting of Arab foreign ministers after heated consultations   (1/25/1999)
  Syrian FM: Faithful efforts needed for Arab solidarity   (1/25/1999)
  Arab Foreign Ministers conclude their Cairo meeting   (1/25/1999)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search