Diplomatic tension eases between Morocco and Libya
2009-09-14
The presence of Polisario leader Mohamed Abdelaziz at Libya's 40th anniversary celebrations sparked a diplomatic spat between the host country and Morocco, but leaders from both sides say the issue is now behind them.
By Naoufel Cherkaoui for Magharebia in Rabat – 14/09/09
 [File] Moroccan government spokesman Khaled Naciri said that Libya's assurances allow a return to positive relations. |
Tensions have eased between Morocco and Libya after a diplomatic incident prompted Morocco's withdrawal from Libya's recent 40th anniversary celebrations. The Moroccan delegation was surprised by the presence of Polisario Front leader Mohamed Abdelaziz among the assembled dignitaries at the First of September Revolution ceremonies.
Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi departed immediately after the discovery on September 1st, accompanied by other political leaders and a Royal Armed Forces brigade that had attended to participate in a military parade.
Libya responded publicly, stressing that what took place was an oversight of protocol. According to a memorandum issued September 5th by the People's Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Co-operation, "Mohammed Abdelaziz was present in the country to take part in the African Union summit, held in Tripoli on August 31st, 2009, concerning the resolution of disputes, as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is a member of the AU... [But the] SADR was not invited to the celebrations."
Following this statement, Morocco dispatched a team of political party leaders to Libya to ease the tense situation. Mustapha Al Mansouri (National Rally of Independents), Mohamed El Yazghi (Socialist Union of Popular Forces) and Amhand Al Onsor (National Popular Movement) were received by Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi on September 8th.
"During the meeting, the Moroccan delegation expressed relief at overcoming the misunderstanding," Al Mansouri told Maghreb Arabe Presse after speaking with Kadhafi. "Tension was eased on account of the memo sent by the Libyan authorities to the Moroccan authorities."
Mohammad Al Yazghi told the press that Morocco was turning the page on the short-lived dispute. "We are currently undertaking preparations for the meeting of the joint committee, scheduled after the month of Ramadan in Rabat, in order to give bilateral relations a new impetus in the political, cultural and economic arenas," he concluded.
Moroccan Minister of Communications Khaled Naciri said on September 10th, "The picture is now clearer, because the assurances offered to Morocco by the Libyan side were of the highest level."
Naciri said the explanations "allow us to deal positively when it comes to our relations with Libya".
Mohammad Darif, Moroccan professor of political science, told Magharebia: "Actually, we could say that Moroccan-Libyan relations are back to the way they used to be, despite certain reservations."
Darif suggested that the public was not convinced by Libya's statement. "However, they could understand the reasons why Moroccan authorities agreed to overcome the crisis, since Morocco wishes to maintain good relations with Libya, on account of the economic and trade interests between the two countries, which are a vital factor that cannot be sacrificed."
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Anonymous Posted 2009-09-14
I understand the reason for easing the tension between Morocco and Libya is dictated by the trade interests between the two countries. How much Moroccan hash is exported yearly to Libya?
Amirouche Posted 2009-09-14
Hello everyone- In spite of everything, the president of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic officially participated in the African Union summit dedicated to conflicts in Africa. Regarding the Moroccan-Sahrawi conflict, the summit's final resolution recommended a solution that conforms to the UN Resolution 1510 on Decolonisation. Given that the Western Sahara has the status of a non-autonomous territory, we cannot speak of a diplomatic victory.
Lamiri Mustapha Posted 2009-09-14
Our Algerian "neighbours" or, more exactly, their government and the Algerian generals are behind all of this. We love them and their excellent president. Moamar Kadhafi is a man of words and tolerance. He does not like swimming in troubled waters. Long live Libya! Long live Morocco!
Acharif Moulay Abdellah BOUSKRAOUI Posted 2009-09-14
Our diplomatic and neighbourly relations are at their best with our Libyan brothers. Our relations are so solid. Morocco is a country that has always done its everything in order to realise the Arab Maghreb Union. Libya is a friendly country and a brother to Morocco. It is a country lead by a man of great wisdom, a man who deserves all the respect not only of the Libyans, but also of all the people of the Maghreb and the entire world. Libya owes its importance this giant, this man who has written his name in history and in the hearts of the people of the Maghreb and the West forever. Libya is reaping the fruits of this giant of history, President Moamar Kadhafi. As such, we take this happy opportunity to wish a long life to President Moamar Kadhafi, to the Libyan people and to the entire Arab Maghreb. We hope that the latter's union will come to light as soon as possible. Let us hope for the President's support in building this great monument by supporting our project for the autonomy of our southern regions, putting an end to puppet states and separatists, who have but one goal: impeding this union. So, long live the great friend and brother of Morocco, President Moamar Kadhafi. May his family and his people have happiness! -Signed, Acharif Moulay Abdellah Bouskraoui
drisse el hachemi Posted 2009-09-15
Pardon, sir, but the Sahrawi Republic is a member of the African Union and has had a seat there for a long time as a permanent member. Given this is the case, its presence in Tripoli was in the framework of a meeting of this body and to participate in the festivities celebrating Moamar Kadhafi's 40 years in power. Do not take the people for idiots and do not tell us that Libya went down on its knees, asking forgiveness and crying to Momo VI.
HAKIM Posted 2009-09-18
Stop being manipulated by the Algerian regimes so as to satisfy their ancient hatred, my dear brother and sister Sahrawis. This same regime massacred thousands of Algerians and stole all their wealth. Do you think they are supporting you for your beautiful eyes? So, it is more than urgent that you return home or find another country that can welcome you as refugees. We are tired of you ****. We too would like to get rid of this immature, irresponsible and criminal law. Do not forget that Libya created you then left to leave us in the ****. Thank you, Magharebia, and saha ftorkoum on Eid.
salimou Posted 2009-09-18
Your puppet republic, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, was created by millions of Algerian petrodollars. Soon, there will be an independent Kabyle republic. I hope that Morocco will be the very first Arab country to welcome its first provisional government, right after Spain and Sweden. Happy holidays, everyone! -Thank you
Moroccan Patriot Posted 2009-09-18
President Moamar Kadhafi is mentally unstable to put it mildly. The way Moroccan officials seem to be brown nosing this guy, you would think Kadhafi was GOD himself... It is so pathetic. Face the facts. Libya spat in Morocco's face. The Sahrawi delegation attended an AU function in Libya, THe Moroccan delegation went home crying, and now are pretending an olive branch was extended by Libya, when in fact no Olive branch has ever been extended.... Morocco is grovelling to Libya because it wants to open up other places for Unemployed Moroccans to find work.
Christele Banjon (Ambassadrice de France en Arabie Posted 2009-09-19
I think that they need to stop dreaming. The Sahara is Moroccan, and I think everyone is aware of this. As for Algeria and Libya, this is just one big affair to intimidate the international community.
Magrebin Neutre Posted 2009-09-20
For those who do not know it, the Sahrawi conflict is not a conflict that started between Algeria and Morocco in the 1960s; Tripoli was the one supporting the Sahrawis in getting their independence! Through some sort of mystery, Tripoli gave up and Algiers took over. Algiers continued, for one reason or another, to support the Sahrawi's "noble" cause! Dear brothers of the Maghreb, do not dream too much: the problem with the Western Sahara is a very complicated one with several states being involved (Africa's, Asia's, Europe's and Russia)! It will never be resolved, because it created instability and, as a result, an armament! Billions of dollars are thus devoted to and spent by a special budget. And, whom does this budget profit??? Of course, it is as usual the intelligent race: the Westerners. And, it is because we are all idiots!!! Happy Ramadan!
عبدالقادر شقرون Posted 2009-09-20
I think that the participation of the Polisario, the legitimate and sole representative of the Republic of Western Sahara, in these official events in the Arab Libyan republic has in no way harm the Moroccan Libyan relations. The Sahraoui participation and attendance was justified because Western Sahara is a state which has its full rights in the organization of the African Union. Everyone is aware of the efforts of Libya to develop and promote this very important continental organization. The civilized and logical and question is: would Morocco have reacted in the same way if a delegation of Western Sahara were to participate in a similar event in a European state? The answer is of course no, no. In that case, Moroccan authorities would just keep quiet because it cannot go against reality. There are many examples about this including many activities organized in favour of the Sahrawi people in more than one European capital in all political, economic, social and cultural fields all year around. Many of them were organized even after this Libyan-Moroccan crisis. Therefore, I think it is high time for the Moroccan regime to review its actions which are sometimes improvisational or rushed, without taking into consideration their consequences, especially for Arab Maghreb countries and specifically its neighbours. It is known internationally that the policy of any country emanates from the freedom, will of the people and its regime. The effort of a country in a solidarity action in a decolonization and self-determination issue should not be oppposed by Morocco in any way or other which lacks diplomatic responsibility. Finally, we should say that Moroccan officials and others from Western Sahara continuously meet in many negotiations to find a solution to the issue. So how does Morocco want to make pressure on other countries not to have relations with Western Sahara? Anyway, we wish to parties of the conflict agreement and success. We also hope that Morocco and the Moroccan media avoid attempts to expand the sphere of the problem geographically and politically because this in no way serves the issue. Greetings from Abdelkader Chekroune, a correspondent journalist, Algeria.
Anonymous Posted 2009-09-22
To the illiterate lady who wants to pass herself off as the ambassador of France- First, go learn French before you jump into such trickery. If you your morals are such in life, then the Moroccan-ness of the Sahara also seems just as dishonest to me as the little games of the other Moroccan propagandists who are polluting this website with their stupidity.
Free spirit Posted 2009-09-27
Let's be clear and honest with ourselves, Algeria always has plans to take the Moroccan desert in an attempt to have a view on the Atlantic ocean and for economical gain due to the fact that the Sahara might have many oil and Gas wells. Algeria does not need more land, it is the biggest country in Africa, thanks of course to the French colonial power...what Algeria is doing with the support of Mr. Kadhafi is harming the whole region and possible cooperation by supporting a movement that has no history and it is the creation of their imagination!!! I really feel sick when I see the Europeans despite differences in their culture and religious but they still manage to create a powerful union and Maghreb countries that have similar culture and similar religions but we lack the basic brain function to end the conflict of Sahara and wake up!!! Because the Sahara conflict is the creation of Spain and France, Algeria and Libya are puppets in their hand…what a shame!!!??? You are causing harm to the Moroccan economy because the money spent in the armament can be used to create jobs for millions of Moroccans and end this stupid conflict…
safar Posted 2009-10-03
As peaceful Moroccans, we love peace and I love Moamer Kadhafi. I hope that we will be come two brotherly countries we are also countries of the Arab Maghreb. I hope that relations will continue as they were with the late Hassan II may God rest his souls. Thank you.
حواء Posted 2009-10-12
I hope that journalists who previously waged a defamation campaign against Col. Kadhafi will understand that the case is more complicated than they thought.
Jamal Posted 23 days ago
I am an Morcoccan, born in Holland, and read about the history of the Maghreb but also visited all the Maghreb countries this summer, backpacking! From Cairo over land to Rif Mountains of Morocco. When I was in Cairo I visited the grave of Mohamed ben Abdelkarim el-Katabbi, the first pragmatic leader that unified the Riffian tribes agianst the Spanish colonisers. He was a great man like Emir Abdel Kader of Algeria, I visited the mosk in Constantine. During my travels I looked at the socio developpment, economie, culture and ifrastructure, sometimes sleaping at people houses when no hotel found. My opinion of the Maghreb! 1. Algerians deserve much respect in history, the are a bit nervous but they have good harts, when I crossed the border with my Morocaan passport they greated me true like a brother, not what I expected! 2. Egyptians are not like us, the Maghrebbians, in appearance and culture, the more distance you get from Cairo towards Libya the more they look and behave like us. 3. Morocco has much to offer to the other Maghreb countries, industrie, telecom, infrastructure, farming methods etc. positive entrepeneural spirit! 4. It is time for the proud Ghadaffi to give the throne to his son, to lead Libya to the age of the Maghreb. 5. Sahroui people need to get autonomie as well as the Kabyle and Choui of Algeria, the Zwara and Jbel Nefousa of Libya etc. They key is autonomy when needed but in a frame of the greater Maghreb. conclusion... Don`t believe the "elite" nationalist in the different Maghreb countries, we are alike in culture appareance etc, the Maghreb Union will deminish the nationalst in the countries and give more democracie to the Maghreb. I truly believe I am as much an Algerian, Libyan, Tunesian as I am a Moroccan Riffian.
minanna Posted 3 days ago
Long live Morocco and the Moroccan Sahara!
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