Rabat, July 24, 2012 (MAP)
Morocco refuses to play the role of policeman for Europe concerning the free movement of people, Foreign Minister Saad Dine El Otmani said on Tuesday.
On the issue of migration, Morocco refuses to play the role of policeman for Europe and “this is why we have refused to sign with the EU the agreement on people’s free movement,” which includes provisions deemed “inappropriate” by Morocco, he said at the house of advisers.
Morocco will sign the agreement when the circumstances will be suitable, he added.
He considered that the fact of granting visas to Moroccan citizens by foreign countries is a “sovereign decision”, noting the difficulties facing visa applicants and the seasonal pressure on consulates.
He said that the Foreign Affairs department is trying to raise the awareness of foreign embassies accredited in Morocco about the need to improve the conditions of receiving Moroccan nationals, recalling that the ministry pays a special attention to the affairs of Moroccan expats.
