Moroccan fm meets Spanish peer in New York

Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, held on Wednesday at the United Nations headquarters a meeting with Spanish peer, Josep Pique.

Benaissa told MAP talks were "frank, direct and general" and surveyed all divergences between Morocco and Spain. After he underscored that the Spanish foreign minister was ready to discuss all Moroccan grievances, he hoped that Spain will change its vision and attitude towards Morocco.

He also insisted on the need for a new approach to bilateral relations and that all issues raised in the meeting be accepted as a basis for a real cooperation in economic, political and social realms.

It is abnormal that Morocco continues to be attacked in this manner, which harms its dignity, sacred institutions and symbols, he insisted describing as "not-understandable" the behavior of some Spanish circles who wage hostile attacks against a neighboring Muslim and Arab country at a time the whole world is calling for dialogue between civilizations."

However, he went, Morocco does not hold grudge against Spain and wishes a real and sincere cooperation on the bases of neighborliness, friendship, mutual respect and the safeguarding of each side's respective interests.

On October 28, Morocco announced it is recalling its ambassador in Spain for consultation, due to a number of Spanish attitudes and stands concerning Morocco.