Morocco has always endeavored to consolidate its Arab orientation

Morocco has been endeavoring since its independence to strengthen its Arab orientation which cannot be subject of doubts or overbids, said Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi.

In an interview with Egyptian daily "Akhbar al-Yaoum," run Saturday, Youssoufi recalled that the Arab League's first meeting was held in Morocco and that Morocco has always and unfailingly shown solidarity with the Middle East people on major and decisive issues. He mentioned as an instance Morocco's support to the Palestinian cause and sympathy with the Iraqi and Libyan peoples who are suffering from the U.N embargoes.

Touching on inter-Arab relations at large, Youssoufi said economic, political and social relations between Arab states do not meet the aspirations of Arabs. He further ascribed the low inter-Arab trade exchanges to a "lack of political will" to set up a strong Arab entity despite slogans on the Arab nation unity and shared destiny. He argued that it is up to Arab leaders to translate these slogans into reality.

Comparing between the Arab League and the European Union, Youssoufi said the EU holds a summit every six months while Arabs do not manage to convene a summit meeting easily. He wondered why Arab states do not hold a summit at present as the Arab world is going through "tragic circumstances" and is facing serious challenges.

On the Middle East peace process, the Moroccan premier expressed Morocco's "reservations on the Israeli premier's attempts to undermine the peace efforts."

Since the Israeli prime minister has taken power, the peace prospects are growing dim, Youssoufi said wondering why no pressures are exerted on Netanyahu to bring him back to reason.