Morocco’s Unfailing Support For The Palestinians – OpEd

King Mohammed VI called for the mobilization of international support for initiatives undertaken by the Palestinian Authority to become a non-member State at the UN, renewing Morocco’s constant and unconditional support to the Palestinian legitimate rights.

In a message addressed to the President of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, Mr. Abdou Salam Diallo, on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinians King Mohammed renewed the “total and constant support of Morocco to the Palestinians legitimate rights and more importantly, the right to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The King noted in this regard that “the United Nations is expected today to take responsibility by accepting Palestine as a non member.”

On this occasion, the King reaffirmed Morocco’s full support to the Palestinian National Authority, under the leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas and called for an international mobilization to support all steps taken by the Palestinian National Authority to access the status of a non-member state. At the same time, Morocco considers that the negotiation is the only suitable way to allow the Palestinians to gain back their legitimate rights and to establish an independent Palestinian state, a state “living side by side with Israel in peace and security, in accordance with UN resolutions and international law, “insisted the Sovereign.

After noting that the celebration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people is happening this year in a very delicate situation the King denounced “the obstinacy of Israeli government to continue its systematic violation of international resolutions, including the continuous occupation of Arab territories and pursuing the policy of settlement, Judaization and confiscation of land and property. ”

As the Chairman of Al Quds Committee, the King reiterated his call to the international community to force Israel to respect the characteristics of civilization of the holy city that should always remain a symbol of coexistence and peace between all monotheistic religions. The King also reiterated Morocco’s deep concern over Israeli air raids against Gaza, which caused the death of many innocent victims and warned against the negative impact of any escalation of violence that will threat the stability of the whole region. The King underlined the necessity of an inter-Palestinian reconciliation that is crucial to strengthen the negotiation power of the Palestinians in the peace process.

The King also called Quartet to bring Israel back immediately to the negotiating table, to comply with UN resolutions and agreements between the parties concerned and works seriously to achieve a just and lasting solution to this conflict, based on the option of two states living side by side in peace and security. This is a realistic approach to end the conflict that has lasted too long.

Morocco can play a significant role in brokering peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. A progressive Muslim country with both African and European influences, it is strategically located to be the center of a Western-Muslim dialogue.

King Mohammed VI represents the kind of moderate and progressive world views on which the Western world should capitalize and promote as a formidable and open-minded new brand of Islam. But most importantly, the King holds unique authority among both Israelis and Palestinians as a credible and honest broker, capable of facilitating a dialogue between the two. As a direct descendant of the Prophet, he possesses an authenticity within the Muslim world that sets him apart as a conduit of Islam.

Because of this lineage, Palestinians trust and respect him, despite his efforts to promote a more liberal Muslim democracy, which has earned him the condemnation of more radical Islamic fundamentalists. And as an advocate for security and coexistence between Palestinians and Israelis, he’s earned the favor of many Jewish leaders who see him as perhaps one of the only moderate Arab leaders who recognize Israel’s legitimacy.

As King, he is Commander of the Faithful, but King Mohammed VI has positioned himself as commander of all faiths, and not just Islam, which signals to Christians and Jews that he is open-minded and a natural conduit between the three faiths. His position has always been clear : security for Israel and dignity for the Palestinians. If the West focuses on these two principles, as he has, the objective has a useful clarity and direction.

Because King Mohammed VI is the literal embodiment of moderate Islam, and simultaneously promotes a Western and democratic world view, Morocco is uniquely positioned to offer the kind of insight on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that America desperately needs. While America should continue to play an integral role in establishing peace in the Middle East, the aid of a third party like Morocco would be invaluable.

Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush both met with Mohammed VI during their terms to gain insight into the Middle East crisis, and Bush in particular relied on Morocco to promote a more democratic and progressive brand of Islam to the rest of the Arab world. When Barack Obama took office, King Mohammed VI wrote him a letter, suggesting the ways in which the president could communicate better with the Muslim world. This seems the perfect opportunity to seek the advice of someone better qualified to navigate through the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In his speech in Cairo, Obama rightly pointed out that Morocco was the first country to recognize America as an independent nation. Perhaps Obama would be wise to repay the favor, and recognize Morocco as an important delegate in advancing Middle East peace.

King Mohammed’s s inspirational words still ring in the ears of both Palestinians, Israelis, and the world community: “The world still had a long way to go before states and peoples learn to accept diversity. It was of utmost importance that the United Nations became the standard bearer of peace, tolerance, and mutual understanding and serve as a catalyst for a new form of cooperation; one based on solidarity and dedicated to achieving the dignity and well-being of all people.”

 

The views expressed are the author’s own.