Morocco is committed to strengthening its partnership with the EU, viewing regional changes as an opportunity for a unique cooperation model. This requires a strategic impulse, expanding cooperation, and a « privileged partnership » built on shared ambitions. However, Morocco faces a challenging neighborhood with instability and violence in North Africa, raising concerns about regional security and the fight against terrorism. This instability poses a threat to the Maghreb, Europe, and beyond.
I. Morocco- EU Relations
Morocco remains committed to the continuous and permanent reinforcement of its multidimensional partnership with the European Union, based on shared values, mutual respect, and common interests.
Being the most advanced country in the European Neighborhood Policy framework, Morocco sees the profound political and economic mutations operating in the euro-Mediterranean region, as well as the rising uncertainty it may bring on, as a unique opportunity to come forward with a Moroccan-European model of cooperation, which will set an example for the rest of the region.
To reach this objective, Morocco and the European Union are called upon to further reinforce their relations, by giving them a new strategic impulse and by enlarging the scope of their current cooperation. This will allow to take full advantage of all the opportunities available to both parties, in order to act in a spirit of responsibility and solidarity.
In this regards, our relationships should be build upon our common ‘acquis’ in the framework of the advanced status, whilst giving them a clear perspective, which must be materialized through the definition of a new strategic prospect.
This strategic prospect must take the form of a new contractual link, which intends to establish a “privileged partnership” between Morocco and the EU, developed on a common strategic ambition, an interdependent future, and mutual development.
II. Regional Developments
A. Situation in the Region as a whole
Being the most valuable and capable friend of the EU in the region, Morocco is currently living in a very tough neighborhood because the arc of instability now encompasses the entire North Africa region and stops at the doorsteps of Morocco.
Morocco is seriously concerned by instability and violence from both terrorist and criminal activities in its neighborhood, and it is deeply concerned by the future of the region and the risk of deterioration in some of the countries (Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya).
We consider that the success of the transitional processes of some countries will be difficult to reach in the near term because the current political forces and parties lack both a joint political vision for the future of their countries and a spirit of compromise.
Moreover, we must underline that the current unrest in these countries has weakened their capacity to be capable partners in the fight against terrorism and security threats.
B. Evaluation of the Security threat
The current instability in the Sahara/ Sahel and in some North African countries is not only a threat for the region but also a threat to strategic interest in the Maghreb, Europe and beyond.
Terrorist groups are a complex threat with a wide range of action. In fact, the risk of expansion of these threats in the region is high, particularly in countries such as Nigeria, where Boko Haram has proved to be a real danger for the whole stability of the region, as was recently witnessed with the kidnapping of French citizens.
The same can be said about the critical situation in the Golf of Guinea, where there are clear evidences of narcotic networking between Latin America and Africa, and of acts of piracy. These evidences demonstrates that this region is seriously put in danger by transnational criminality, which in the long term can threaten peace and stability of African countries bordering the Atlantic ocean.
C. Role of the EU in the Region
We acknowledge the importance given by the EU to the region of the Maghreb as stated by the recent EU communication.
Morocco considers that the Maghreb Union is a political, economic, and strategic necessity.
We also believe that a reinforcement of EU’s relations with the Maghreb is a vital strategic element in order to mutually tackle the challenges that have become predominant in the region, namely security and socio-economic issues. Furthermore, deepening these relationships will help to stabilize Maghreb countries, in particular Tunisia and Libya. Finally, it may serve to set the tone for the future of Union for the Mediterranean.
Morocco hopes to see an increase in EU engagement in the region, in order to address both regional current trends and to support reform and progress in the countries of the region.
Morocco calls upon the EU to facilitate the dialogue between Morocco and Algeria in order to re-open borders between the two countries. The prevailing situation hampers the efforts towards the establishment of a coherent and strong Maghreb.
III. Recent developments on the Sahara Issue
The discussions carried out between H.M the King Mohammed VI and the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, created a new dynamic and enabled the clarification of certain issues that concern the mandate of the MINURSO, the respect of the parameters of the political process, the nature of the Personal Envoy’s mission, without forgetting the importance of bilateral relations with Algeria.
During his briefing in the Security Council on November 28, 2012, Christopher Ross shared the Moroccan view on the necessity to go beyond the current status quo, and he supported a new approach based on “Shuttle Diplomacy”. This new approach intends to revive the political process in order to reach a political solution in the framework of his mandate, which does not include Human Rights.
Mr. Ross also underlined that the resolution of the Sahara issue became urgent in a context of growing criminal and terrorist threats in the Sahel region, which risks deteriorating in the absence of a solution to the problem.
The international community is called upon to preserve and consolidate the efforts of the negotiation process, which must be bases on two fundamental parameters: realism and compromise.
Morocco reiterates its intention to continue to engage, in good faith, in the negotiation process aimed at finding a final solution to the Sahara issue, within the framework of Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and on the basis of the autonomy proposal made by Morocco, which the international community described as serious and credible.
IV. Algeria
Morocco has a strong willingness to cooperate with Algeria and it reiterates its commitment to resolve the issue of the Sahara for the benefit of promoting stability and cooperation in the Maghreb region.
Resolving the Sahara issue can be taken as an example for the international community, on how to deal with conflict resolution in the Sahara-Sahel region, in general.
It must be pointed out that Algeria has a statuary obligation, as a host state, to allow a population census in the Tindouf camps.
V. Mali
Morocco was the first to raise the red flag on the rise of security and terrorist threats in the region, which became a reality today. Mali suffers the unfortunate consequences of extremism, terrorism and separatism, and criminal networks.
Morocco underlines the relevance of comprehensive strategies and collective action taken at the regional level. Mali’s crisis demonstrates the inefficiency of some partial and selective approaches, which were unable to face a complex reality that threatens the entire region.
As an advocate of global responses to global threats, and as a supporter of the approach put forth by ECOWAS, Morocco will spare no effort to continue to support Mali. Morocco intends to pursue its multifaceted action, in close cooperation with ECOWAS and the United Nations.
As stated by H.M the King during his speech at the 42nd ECOWAS summit, Morocco publicly supports the French intervention which is a response to the emergency call made by the Malian authorities.
Morocco is currently undertaking several international efforts in order to help Mali restore its stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as a partner for peace and stability in the region.
During its presidency of the Security Council, December 2012, Morocco gave high priority to the Malian crisis, hence passing Resolution 2085 of the Security Council which authorized the deployment of the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA). In the same spirit, Morocco contributed a total of 5 million dollars to the mission during the Donors Conference in Addis Ababa.
Having sent emergency humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of thousands of displaced people in southern Mali and of Malian refugees in Mauritania, Niger and Burkina Faso, Morocco will continue to closely monitor the serious humanitarian situation prevailing in the country.
The problem will require a long term commitment that must be comprehensive in order to handle the root causes of the Malian crisis. Thus, we need to work on feasible solutions that include a mix of military aspects and soft power tools. In this respect, Morocco recognizes EU’s support to the Malian population through its humanitarian, development, military training, and diplomatic actions.
On the political front, Morocco hopes to see the implementation of a clear road map for transition, which we hope will be inclusive. It is our wish to see the Malians seize the different opportunities offered to them, in order to succeed the vital national reconciliation process, which must be open to all stakeholders across the political spectrum, and in which the parties pledge, unconditionally and without resorting to armed force, to respect the country’s territorial integrity. Morocco will also support the work of the “National Dialogue and Reconciliation Commission”.
In this respect, Morocco is willing to efficiently support Mali by using its voice and position within the Security Council, as well as its experience in peacekeeping matters, and its expertise in training, transitional justice, and organization of elections.
Morocco believes it is important to further include the United Nations in the future stages of the resolution of the Malian conflict, especially during the next discussions on turning AFISMA into a peacekeeping operation in Mali
Moreover, we consider that it is necessary to include financial and logistical support to ECOWAS’s engagement, which represents a crucial actor for resolving the conflict.
Despite its logistical and budgetary constraints, ECOWAS was able to quickly mobilize its efforts to help, along with the French troops, liberate Mali and rally the international community’s support.
Today, as the Malian crisis enters a new and different operational phase, ECOWAS is called upon to pursue its post-conflict endeavors in the areas of mediation, facilitation, protection and stabilization.
VI. Syria
The tragic crisis in Syria continues to deteriorate more and more. Needless to say, that the region will not be able, in the short term, to continue to manage the impact and pressure of the Syrian crisis. This region remains too fragile and the crisis too complex.
Syria has become a dramatic scene, which doesn’t cease to worsen day after day, a tragedy with no end, and unprecedented violence. The risk for Syria is to become a new ‘Somalia’, leading to a dismemberment of the country. The result will be worse than the situation, as we know it today.
The Humanitarian situation in Syria has become of grave concern for Morocco and the international community as a whole. The large numbers of refugees that flee the country
are becoming a burden for neighboring countries such as Lebanon and Jordan, which may find themselves submerged in a humanitarian crisis.
In an effort to ease the humanitarian situation, Morocco was the first country to set up a multi-specialty relief hospital for refugees in the refugee camps of Zaatari, Jordan. H.M the King Mohammed VI was the first head of state to visit on October 17, 2012.
Morocco is actively committed to put an end to the Syrian crisis. Several efforts have been undertaken, including a strong implication of Morocco in the Security Council and the deployment of a humanitarian aid. In addition, Morocco hosted the Friends of Syria meeting, in Marrakech, that permitted the recognition of the Syrian Coalition as the legitimate representative of Syria.
Concerning the Syrian regime, it is shaken up and incapable of stabilizing itself. Its legitimacy and credibility are highly put into question. Bachar Al Assad has taken on an arrogant speech and tone, and is unable of recognizing his errors. It is obvious that Bachar Al Assad has no place in Syria’s future, and that he has to step down now from power to avoid the Libyan scenario.
He is in no position to lead the country after the resolution of the conflict. The only future for Syria is a democratic one.
Morocco favors a quick and peaceful resolution to the Syrian conflict, and hence believes that the way out of the crisis would involve the ‘Six Point Geneva Plan for Transition’. This plan would not include the involvement of Bachar Al Asad, who has no role to play in the transitional government, which is to be led by the Opposition Coalition. Nonetheless, the initial solution plan proposed by the Arab League in the early stages of the conflict still remains a viable solution to the resolution of the Syrian tragedy.
Morocco undoubtedly believes that a united and anonymous decision from within the Security Council will have great impact on the parties of the conflict, and hasten things forward.
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