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Africa: North
Morocco may resume ties with Israel
2003-09-03
Morocco and Israel may reopen liason offices in Rabat and Tel Aviv within a few days, Al Jazeera has learned. The news comes as Israeli Foreign Minister Sylvan Shalom is in Morocco to discuss bilateral relations with the North African country. During talks with King Muhammad VI on Tuesday, Shalom was expected to discuss reopening the offices which were closed following the outbreak of the Palestinian Intifada in 2000. Although no official announcement has yet been made it now appears likely Morocco will back the controversial move. However, Younes Mujahid, of the Moroccan National Press Union, said it is premature for the government to talk of reestablishing relations with Israel.
Does anyone ever pay attention to the opinions of somebody named "Mujahid"?
“Any normalisation has to be linked to a fair settlement of the Palestinian issue,” he said. “This should not be happening while Arab land is being occupied. Israel hasn't given the Palestinians anything up to now — it never makes concessions.”
"At least none that we acknowledge..."
He added: “I think this is a political error. It may well be a goodwill gesture by the Moroccan government but it is misguided. “The Moroccan people are not obliged to accept this situation because they have already given their opinion by blowing things up demonstrating in the streets,” he added. But Ali Anouzla, the Rabat bureau chief of Al-Sharq al-Awsat newspaper, said reaction to such a move would be muted. “I doubt there will be much of a reaction,” he said. “We are in the middle of an electoral campaign here so most of the political parties have their attention elsewhere."
It doesn't sound like the king was amused by the Islamists acting up last May...
Posted by:Fred Pruitt

#7  

The irony of this for Muslims (especially the hardcore religious whacko's) is that the King claims to be a direct descendent of the Prophet Mohammed.



Posted by: ZoGg   2003-9-3 4:40:48 PM  

#6  Yes, .com. As Mel Brooks said, "It's good to be king." "Most of the political parties have their attention elsewhere." Damn right they do. If MVI decides it, it will be done and no criticism will be tolerated.

LH: Very interesting, indeed. I've got no logical answers to the three questions you pose. The current king's dad had Peres for a visit about 15 years ago. Gaddafi later at an Arab summit refused to shake Hassan's hand as the latter had touched a Zionist, and Moamar didn't want to get infected.

Anyway, I don't know why the King would do this now. He would receive no criticism in the media, but the average Moroccan would not agree. Something's afoot, if AJ is to be believed. What's up?
Posted by: Michael   2003-9-3 2:58:02 PM  

#5  Morroco is probably the only really moderate Arab country around.
Posted by: Robert Crawford   2003-9-3 12:23:51 PM  

#4  interesting that the king is doing this now, despite the difficulties with the road map - he could easily have waited a couple of months - is this being used as pressure on arafat and on Egypt? Is he influenced by the Iraq situation? Is the US putting on pressure/bribes to achieve a diplomatic win?
Posted by: liberalhawk   2003-9-3 11:03:52 AM  

#3  In British Medical terms Mujahod is "pumpkin positive." Don't want to speculate on his DBI without a picture.
Posted by: Super Hose   2003-9-3 8:41:28 AM  

#2  â€œAny normalisation has to be linked to a fair settlement of the Palestinian issue,” he said. “This should not be happening while Arab land is being occupied. Israel hasn't given the Palestinians anything up to now — it never makes concessions.”

In 2036 a gaunt dishevled elderly Jew, the last surving member of his religion in the Islamic Pealeostinian Republic sleeps on a park bench in the city formerly known as Tel Aviv. On hearing of this outrage the new Grand Mufti in Jeruselem issues a call for Jihad. Thats what they mean when they talk about "while arab land is being occupied"
Posted by: Someone who did NOT vote for William Proxmire   2003-9-3 8:25:34 AM  

#1  This is some pretty funny shit...

Where does Younes Mujahid think he is, anyway, America? The Moroccan King giveth, and he can taketh away - any fucking thing he likes, cuz he's the fucking KING. I would suggest that this include Mujahid's wife, family, home, freedom, and his life. Methinks either Mujahid was given a wink and a nod to say this or he's a total fool. The latter makes a lot more sense than the former - as these remarks do not make the King look good in any way you spin 'em. We may not hear much more from Mujahid. Go get 'im, Kingie. (snicker)
Posted by: .com   2003-9-3 3:37:10 AM  

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