Al Hayat: Moroccan FM calls UMA member-states' to be bold in addressing disputes

Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa called member-states of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) to be bold in addressing disputes and argued that the absence of transparence in stances will only lead to failure.

In an interview published on Sunday by London-based Al Hayat daily, the head of the Moroccan diplomacy denied the existence of any mediation to bring Moroccan and Algerian stances closer before the Maghreban summit, set for last June but postponed, but said Morocco welcomes any effort meant to "achieve understanding between the brethren" in the Arab Maghreb.

However, he explains, what is most important is to approach reality as it is, adding that "there are pending problems that cannot be overlooked. He also tied the success of the UMA foreign ministers meeting slated for next January 2 in Algiers to the clarification of positions, citing mainly the Moroccan Sahara issue as one of the major issues, in addition to other problems between member-states.

Asked on the future of relations between Maghreban states, he answered that contacts are needed but what is lacking is genuine efforts to overcome obstacles that hinder the activation of the Arab Maghreb Union. He was, however, upbeat over prospects of lowering down these obstacles.

Benaissa further insisted on the existence of real and chronic problems that need to be settled with boldness and objectivity if the Arab Maghreb Union is to develop in a natural and effective manner, stressing that Morocco has never opposed the union activation provided it be based reality.

The Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) is a regional grouping set up in 1989 between Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia. The UMA has been experiencing serious problems due to Algeria's support of the separatist "Polisario" movement which claims the independence of the Moroccan southern provinces.