Doha's persistent negative attitude behind Morocco's decision to recall its ambassador

Morocco's decision to recall its ambassador to Doha for consultation, came in response to Qatar's persistence to run counter to Moroccan interests and to its negative stands within international and regional organizations, a well-informed Moroccan source said.

Among these negative stands, the source mentioned Qatar's opposition to Morocco's candidate to the post of secretary general of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and its position regarding Morocco's candidacy to host the 2006 soccer world cup. Qatar did not vote for Morocco, running counter to the unanimous decision of the Arab League and the Arab youth and sports ministers to back Morocco's candidacy, the source said adding the Moroccan people deems these stands as new hostile attitudes on the part of Qatar to oppose Morocco and run counter to its interests.

Morocco announced last Tuesday that it was recalling its ambassador to Doha for consultation "having lately noted with amazement and regret the various stands and attitudes adopted by the brotherly country of Qatar, both at the political and at the media levels."

The source added that Morocco was also blaming Qatar for using its media to misinformation ends with the aim of harming the kingdom's sacred institutions and values, dealing a blow to Morocco's dignity and casting doubts on its vital rights and legitimate claims, including the perfection of its territorial integrity.