Oman Voices Support for Morocco's Territorial Integrity

 Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, and his Omani counterpart, Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaid (Asharq Al-Awsat)
 Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, and his Omani counterpart, Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaid (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Oman Voices Support for Morocco's Territorial Integrity

 Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, and his Omani counterpart, Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaid (Asharq Al-Awsat)
 Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, and his Omani counterpart, Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaid (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Sultanate of Oman expressed on Tuesday its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and the Moroccan autonomy plan, calling it a “serious, realistic and credible” initiative and a “basis for resolving the issue” of the Moroccan Sahara.

This position was expressed in a joint statement issued at the end of the 6th session of the Moroccan-Omani Joint Commission, co-chaired by Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, and his Omani counterpart, Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi.

The Sultanate of Oman “reiterated its support for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco” and affirmed, in this context, “its support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative as a basis for resolving this regional dispute.”

It also expressed its appreciation for “the wisdom of the Moroccan leadership in its commitment to a peaceful solution that serves security and stability in the Maghreb region.”

Oman hailed the pioneering role played by Morocco, under the enlightened leadership of King Mohammed VI, in strengthening regional and international security and stability, as well as the Sovereign's sustained efforts to consolidate the foundations of peace and development on the African continent, the statement added.

For its part, the Moroccan side lauded the distinguished role of Oman, under the wise leadership of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, in consolidating the foundations of peace and security in its regional and international environment.

The two sides also stressed the importance of joint Arab action, insisting on the right of Arab states to defend their integrity and sovereignty, to strengthen their security and stability through the promotion of the values of mutual assistance, solidarity and good neighborliness, and to refrain from any interference in the internal affairs of states and any threat to their territorial integrity.

Oman then praised the sustained efforts of King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, to defend Jerusalem and its inhabitants, preserve its civilizational identity and its status as a symbol of tolerance and coexistence between monotheistic religions.

Morocco and the Sultanate of Oman reaffirmed their commitment to the political and legal status of Jerusalem, in accordance with the relevant international resolutions.

The two parties also reiterated their condemnation of extremism and terrorism in all their forms, whatever their pretexts and motivations, stressing that this dangerous scourge should in no way be associated with any civilization or religion.

They stressed the importance of joint regional and international efforts to combat and eradicate terrorism and its causes.



Palestinian Authority to Introduce Major Reforms amid Mounting Pressure from Gaza War 

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. (Reuters)
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. (Reuters)
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Palestinian Authority to Introduce Major Reforms amid Mounting Pressure from Gaza War 

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. (Reuters)
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. (Reuters)

The Palestinian Central Council will hold an extraordinary meeting to establish the position of vice president to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The meeting, set for April 23 and 24, will cap a series of reforms and changes to the Palestinian Authority (PA) that Abbas had kicked off in recent weeks under internal and foreign pressure prompted by Israel’s war on Gaza.

Some 180 members of the council have been invited to the meeting in Ramallah where they will establish the new post, but not necessarily name a person to fill it.

Abbas had announced during an emergency Arab summit in Cairo in March that he was forging ahead with changes in the PA, revealing that he will name a vice president for Palestine and for the Palestine Liberation Organization.

He also said he will restructure leadership frameworks in the state and pump new blood in the PLO, Fatah and state agencies.

The National Council, which acts as the Palestinian parliament, had in 2018 tasked the Central Council with assuming its duties.

The Council meeting will also discuss efforts to reclaim Gaza and national unity.

Informed sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that discussions are underway over whether the post of vice president and the appointment of a figure should take place during the meeting; or whether the appointment should take place at a later date.

Regardless of the decision, what matters is that the decision to establish the post has been taken, said the sources, explaining that it meets local and international calls for reforms.

Debate had raged for years over the establishment of the position given Abbas’ age – 90 – but the war on Gaza has forced him to take decisive steps.

Arab countries have conditioned any support to the PA in Gaza after the war to it introducing wide-scale reforms and changes. The US has been making the call for years, but Abbas has repeatedly avoided the issue.