North Africa
North Africa supports European anti-war campaign

afrol News, 10 February - The EU presidency has gathered support in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia to find a peaceful solution to the conflict over Iraq. Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner today ends her successful mission to the three countries, and she will today report to the Greek European presidency in Athens.

The alliance for a peaceful disarmament of Iraq, which has its roots in Berlin and Paris, this weekend achieved three new members. Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia are associated members of the European Union (EU) through their engagement in the EU-Mediterranean cooperation, which is to end up in a full-fledged tax free zone on both sides of the Mediterranean Sea by 2010.

Foreign Minister Ferrero-Waldner was received by Moroccan King Mohammed VI when she visited the ancient city of Marrakech on Friday. At the centre of conversation were the US-led preparations for a new war against Iraq, and Austria's expressed disagreement to unilateral US/UK actions. Vienna and the Greek (rotating) presidency of the EU strongly support the French-German "concepts" of an increased UN engagement in Iraq in stead of an armed attack.

After meeting King Mohammed, the Austrian Foreign Minister expressed the two countries were agreeing there "still is a possibility for Iraq." The Arab countries, "in particular Morocco," had the same desire as "Austria and Europe that the Iraqi issue be settled through the [UN] Security Council," she stated. Morocco is the closest US ally in the region.

A spokesman for the Moroccan government meanwhile said the country still was favouring "a peaceful solution to the Iraqi question." The spokesman also commented the proofs presented by US Secretary of State Colin Powell, which he felt "do not represent any new elements to justify a war against Iraq."

Meeting Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Sunday, Ms Ferrero-Waldner spoke warmly about Algeria's attitude in this conflict. She also mentioned support given to the French-German concept of a peaceful solution to the conflict. Aldo in Tunisia, where she was received by Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi, she emphasised on the good cooperation between "Europe" and moderate Muslim countries to find a solution to the crisis.

Ms Ferrero-Waldner, who conducted the mission together with a senior officer from the Greek Foreign Ministry, today arrived Athens. Here she will meet with Foreign Minister George Papandreou and discuss the planned EU emergency summit about Iraq. The meeting is expected to be held in Brussels or Athens on Monday in one week.

 

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