Morocco World News/ Maghreb Intelligence
Morocco World News/ Maghreb Intelligence
Rabat, February 4, 2012
Moroccan diplomacy has shown a new modus operandi during the past weeks. While the former Cherifien diplomats have been watchful and dawdling, the new diplomats seem to be more assertive. This change is not only traced back to the departure of Teib Fassi –Fihri and the appointment of Saâd-Eddine El Othmani. Though, the serene look and courteous smile of the Islamist psychiatrist stands in a sharp contrast with the technocrat’s wooden language, furtive look and uptight posture. Seemingly, the change in the Moroccan diplomacy is well received in the European capitals.
We feel that Morocco is present without being aggressive, points out a French diplomat, who was in office in Rabat in 2000.” The latest trips of the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Tunis, Algiers and Addis-Ababa have cleared doubts over the neophyte Islamists’ capacity to manage the kingdom’s diplomatic issues.
In addition, Mr. Abdelilah Benkirane’s statement during the economic summit in Davos was convincing. The head of the Moroccan government could overshadow his Tunisian counterpart, Hedi Jebbali, as well as Amr Moussa, a speaker accustomed to international stage.
On the other hand, Morocco has also surprised many by presenting, jointly with France, Great Britain, Germany, the United States, Colombia and Togo, a resolution project with the prospect of putting an end to the bloodshed and violence in Syria.
In reaction to the new dynamics of the Moroccan diplomacy, the former French ambassador said, “the Moroccan diplomacy seems to be liberated and in sync with its environment. Obviously, a minister of foreign affairs from a popularly elected political party gives more latitude to the royal palace towards the implementation of the diplomacy trend it has always sought”. Nevertheless, one has to wait until the next meeting in Manhasset to measure the magnitude of this change.
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