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Rabat – Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita has described the investigation of Morocco’s involvement in the corruption scandal currently engulfing the EU parliament as “judicial and media harassment.”
Bourita praised Morocco’s relationship with the EU, decrying that their cooperation “faces attacks.”
“Morocco’s position has always been that the partnership must be protected by both sides,” added the top Moroccan diplomat.
The remark came during a joint press conference held with Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on Thursday in Rabat.
Borrell also expressed his concern about the scandal, urging everyone to wait until the official investigation releases its results, and adding that no official judicial opinion has said that Morocco is guilty.
The EU’s position is that there is zero tolerance for corruption, he also said, adding that he expects everyone to cooperate with the official investigation.
A scandal broke in December 2022 when four Members of the European Parliament were arrested under charges of corruption and money-laundering.
Allegations then emerged that Qatar bribed the EU officials to win their influence, allegations which the Gulf country has denied.
Since the start of the investigation, authorities across Europe have confiscated $1.6 million in cash and several digital devices linked to the case.
Further reports then alleged that Morocco was also involved in the bribery operation, with a former parliament member raising suspicions that the North African country tried to solicit votes for a free trade agreement with the EU on fruit and vegetables.
The allegations led Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch to file a defamation lawsuit in Paris.
