The Moroccan minister’s statement comes in response to the criticism his ministry received after expressing appreciation for the American efforts in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Rabat – Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita condemned any “political action in the name of the Palestinian cause,” following his statement on the unveiling of the US’ “Deal of the Century.”
Bourita made a statement on Tuesday, February 4, at the House of Councillors, clarifying Morocco’s position regarding the peace plan presented by Donald Trump the previous week.
According to the FM, Morocco’s position must be rational and not based on emotional agendas.
“What matters for Morocco is the position of the Palestinian government regarding our position, and not what the press says,” added Bourita, pointing out that “Morocco’s position is based on the initiative taken by the US.”
“Any [peace] initiative is positive, but it does not take away the legitimate rights of Palestinians, who have the right to reject it,” he stressed.
“The Kingdom appreciates the peace efforts made by the administration of US President Donald Trump that talked for the first time about a two-state solution,” the FM continued.
However, according to Bourita, the Palestinian people are the ones who will decide whether to accept or reject the deal.
“No, we must not be more Palestinian than Palestinians themselves,” he said, emphasizing that Palestinians’ position is what matters the most concerning Trump’s peace proposal.
Bourita recalled that “the first issue for Moroccan diplomacy is the issue of the Moroccan Sahara,” in response to criticism from Moroccan deputies who considered the Palestinian cause to be the top priority for Moroccans.
The foreign minister refrained from answering other questions about news published in Israeli media.
Several news outlets have alleged that the Israeli government will conclude a tripartite deal that includes Morocco and the US, according to which Morocco will obtain American recognition for its sovereignty over Western Sahara, in exchange of the normalization of Moroccan-Israeli relations.
Bourita neither confirmed nor denied the news. However, he stressed that Morocco is not interested in clarifying the veracity of what is published on Israeli media, as long as it is not issued through official channels.
