Speaker of German Bundestag ends visit to Morocco
Speaker of the German Bundestag, Wolfgang Thierse, left Morocco Saturday at the end of a working visit during which he was received by King Hassan II of Morocco.
The German official told reporters upon departure that he was very satisfied with the outcome of his visit and with the Moroccan-German will to enhance cooperation between their legislative bodies.
In an interview with a Moroccan daily, the speaker of the German lower legislative chamber said Morocco, in view of its deep-rooted traditions and long experience in enhancing dialogue between religions and cultures, is well-placed to defend the image of Islam in the West. He regretted that the west often confuses Islam with civil wars, violence and terrorism.
He added that his talks with Moroccan officials covered the Sahara issue and Morocco's relations with Algeria.
Regarding the Sahara issue, he said Germany supports the UN settlement plan that provides for the holding of a referendum. The United Nations Organization is planning to hold a referendum to ask the population of the Sahara, territories located in southern Morocco, whether it wants to set up its own state as claimed by the Algerian-backed Polisario or remain within Morocco's fold. Morocco recovered these former Spanish colonies in 1975 under the Madrid accords sealed with Mauritania and Spain.
The German official expressed hope that the present obstacles will be lifted, adding, "We have experienced for long years separation, and that is why we have positive feelings towards the Moroccans who are going through the same problem."
The German official had also expressed his country's commitment to support Morocco during the Euro-Mediterranean conference of Stuttgart, Germany.
Germany also voiced readiness to swap Moroccan debts into investments and support to the reforms process carried out in Morocco.
The German official, who started on Wednesday his visit to Morocco where he was received by king Hassan II. He also met prime minister, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, Moroccan peer, Adelouahed Radi, presidents of parliamentary groups, and other members of the government.