US defense secretary in Morocco

US Defense Secretary, William Cohen, on Thursday arrived in Marrakesh part of a tour that will also take him to South Africa and Nigeria.

During the tour, Cohen will examine with officials of the three countries issues pertaining to regional security in Africa.

In a statement in the plane that took him to Morocco, Cohen ruled out any American military intervention in Africa to participate in the settlement of civil wars that tear the continent.

"I do not see any significant role for the US forces in African conflicts," the US official said.

He conceded that Washington will be further involved in consolidating African peace keeping troops in the continent.