Seventh Franco-Moroccan meeting of heads of government - Press conference given by M. Dominique de Villepin, Prime Minister (excerpts) (27 Sept.)
Oujda, 27 September 2005
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Q. - You have always championed Maghrebian integration. To achieve this you have said you believe in the virtues of a direct dialogue between Morocco and Algeria on the Sahara issue, which you have also described as a key factor in achieving this integration. So how could France help move things forward?
THE PRIME MINISTER - First of all, you will allow me to reaffirm the huge importance we attach to a united Maghreb. Europe is becoming ever more united and any move towards Maghreb unity is like to increase the number of bridges with the other Mediterranean shore. We remain committed to promoting a solution. You know our clear, consistent position: a political solution mutually acceptable by all the parties, which must be found in the United Nations framework.
I welcome the latest developments here, and particularly the release of the last Moroccan prisoners of war who are today back home. France had tirelessly argued for their release at national and European level. We continue to urge the need to settle the other humanitarian aspects, such as, for example, the painful issue of the disappeared.
I also want to reaffirm today that we believe in the virtues of the dialogue. A dialogue between Rabat and Algiers is obviously conducive to encouraging the resolution of this conflict. A positive momentum was created between Morocco and Algeria at the Arab League summit in March this year, and we think it necessary to pursue this avenue. The dialogue is particularly necessary, from every point of view in fact, in the exchanges between the different Maghreb States to create the conditions not only for better political cooperation, but also better economic and trade cooperation.
Q. - In the same context, France has called for a direct dialogue between Algeria and Morocco. Is France taking any concrete action to promote this?
THE PRIME MINISTER - I repeat: we’re keen to see exchanges develop, we’re convinced that the only solution to this conflict which has gone on too long is a political one. We’re convinced that the solution has to be found in the United Nations framework and that any exchanges which can develop between Rabat and Algiers are moves in the right direction, so naturally France is ready to encourage this dialogue. (…)./.