Morocco calls for EU action to guarantee human rights in occupied territories

Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, on Thursday called the European Union to take action for the respect of human rights in the occupied Arab territories.

After he attended a dinner, held part of the ongoing Euro-Mediterranean conference in the French port city of Marseilles, the minister told MAP envoy in view of the serious human rights degradation in the occupied territories where systematic and daily breaches are committed, human rights principles, which are universal should be applied for everyone.

He added that France, which holds the EU chairmanship, has positively responded to Arab Mediterranean countries' request to include the situation in the occupied Arab territories in the agenda of the conference.

Although the US has an undeniable major role, the European Union should also be playing a part, he said.

Regarding the absence of Syria and Lebanon which decided to boycott the conference, the head of the Moroccan diplomacy said the stance reflects the anger of Arabs. Although we respect their decision to boycott the conference, we think that it would be better to be present to express our view and make our voice heard, he added.

Benaissa who called for a revision of the peace process insisted that the issue of Al Quds and the Palestinian right to a state with Al-Quds as a capital are core issues.