Regression in Moroccan-Rumanian trade due to Romanian reforms, official

The latest regression in trade between Morocco and Romania is due to the major political and economic reforms adopted by Romania to liberalize its economy, said here Thursday speaker of the Romanian parliament, Ion Diconescu.

Speaking at a meeting with local authorities and businessmen, the Romanian official who started on Sunday a visit to Morocco, said he is convinced that his trip to Morocco will open a new page in bilateral relations.

He stated that democratization reforms undertaken by his country have promoted a favorable political atmosphere.

The Romanian official, who was received on Tuesday by King Hassan II, also conferred with several Moroccan officials. He expressed his country's backing to Moroccan stand regarding the Sahara issue. He said Morocco's claims over the Sahara, a former Spanish colony that the Kingdom retrieved in 1975 under the Madrid accord, are justified and legitimate.

Diconescu is accompanied by a delegation of lawmakers from various Romanian political parties.