Moroccan premier disappointed over Israeli premier

Hopes brought about by the election of Israeli Premier Ehud Barak were frustrated, said Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi in an interview with "Radio-Orient."

Youssoufi said French officials are sharing the same view that Barak is shilly shallying, does not live up to his promises and is not endeavoring to serve the peace process.

The prime minister voiced concern that this attitude will torpedo the peace process, both in the Palestinian and Lebanese-Syrian tracks.

Youssoufi met with Barak this week in Paris on the fringes of the International Socialist conference.

To a question on the embargo enforced against Iraq, Youssoufi said, "Arab countries should urge UN bodies to reconsider their stand and make a clear distinction between measures to control dangerous weapons and inhumane decisions that starve children, women and the elderly."