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Morocco PM: Extending State of Emergency was a Difficult Decision

Morocco PM: Extending State of Emergency was a Difficult Decision
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Morocco PM: Extending State of Emergency was a Difficult Decision

Morocco PM: Extending State of Emergency was a Difficult Decision

Moroccan Prime Minister Saad Eddine El-Othmani said that extending the state of emergency during the coronavirus pandemic was a difficult decision that needed to be discussed with various sectors and experts in the country.

Othmani asserted that it was a health decision and not political, warning against destroying what was achieved if the decision to end COVID-19 lockdown was taken hastily.

The Prime Minister was speaking during the monthly accountability session in the House of Councilors (parliament’s second chamber), about the government's plan to revive the economy after lifting the quarantine.

The PM reviewed the government's plan to revive the economy, which will mainly maintain the purchasing power of citizens and support businesses by preparing a crisis management plan, among other measures.

He pointed out that the gradual reduction of lockdown measures came to avoid going “into a state of unknown,” urging critics to be patient and cautious “until we get out of the crisis in peace.”

The health measures taken by the government saved the life of 15,000 citizens, according to Othamni, adding that proceeding with the measures would enhance health security, which is essential to restore confidence in the economy.

Head of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) at the House of Councilors Abdelhamid Souiri said that the coronavirus pandemic revealed the strength of the state and its institutions.

However, Souiri pointed out that in order to enhance the confidence in the government’s measures, it should execute some of the commitments announced earlier, including the regulatory law on the right to protest.

Souiri also pointed out that the national enterprises are experiencing deep difficulties, especially in tourism and road transport, which makes it impossible to implement the five percent wages increase, which he proposed postponing till July 2021.

The government extended the state of health emergency until next July 10 to take exceptional measures to reduce the repercussions of COVID-19.

It also decided to gradually ease the quarantine measures according to zones and over phases, taking into account the evolution of the epidemiological indicators which have witnessed a positive trend to date.

The authorities will conduct a weekly evaluation of this scheme, under which additional measures will be taken to limit or increase quarantine measures if deemed necessary.

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Baghdad Urges Washington to Prevent ‘Imminent’ Israeli Strikes

Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
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Baghdad Urges Washington to Prevent ‘Imminent’ Israeli Strikes

Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Thursday called on major powers to “exert greater efforts to end the war in Palestine and Lebanon.” Meanwhile, an Iraqi government official urged the United States to “prevent any attacks on the country,” referring to potential Israeli strikes.
During a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Al-Sudani stressed the importance of ensuring the conflict does not escalate “to a level that threatens regional and global stability.”
The Iraqi prime minister’s appeal comes amid reports suggesting that Israel may launch strikes on Iraq in retaliation for attacks by Iraqi armed factions targeting Israeli positions.
The Iraqi government is striving to assert its exclusive authority over weapons and war-related decisions. However, armed factions affiliated with the Axis of Resistance openly claim responsibility for near-daily rocket attacks on Israel. This has provided Israel with a justification for potentially targeting Iraqi territory, especially after it filed a complaint with the UN Security Council against six Iraqi factions and held Baghdad responsible for the attacks.
These factions have also openly declared their involvement in the ongoing conflict with Israel in Lebanon and Gaza. The Iraqi government has been unable to take decisive action to halt the activities of these factions, which many believe could soon expose Iraq to an Israeli strike.
According to media reports, Washington has warned Baghdad that Israeli airstrikes on Iraq are “imminent” unless the Iraqi government curtails attacks by Iranian-backed factions on Israel. The Times of Israel cited sources indicating that the United States has “exhausted all means of pressure on Israel” and urged Iraq to act swiftly to prevent such attacks.
Despite repeated assurances from the Iraqi government—including its recent adoption of 12 measures by the National Security Council to counter Israeli threats and complaints—the situation remains tense. These measures include monitoring Iraq’s western borders, preventing factions from launching attacks, and maintaining Iraq’s neutrality in the ongoing conflict.
On Wednesday, Abu Hussein Al-Hamidawi, Secretary-General of Kata’ib Hezbollah, made a striking statement on the role of resistance factions in the war and their commitment to the Unity of Fronts doctrine frequently mentioned by Axis of Resistance groups.
In an interview published by the faction’s media arm, Al-Hamidawi said: “The continuity of the Unity of Fronts concept depends on what the Lebanese Hezbollah decides.”
Al-Hamidawi also emphasized that resistance factions are constantly coordinating internally and with external partners such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Palestinian resistance leaders.
“We aim to ensure that the Palestinian people are not left alone and that the Unity of Fronts remains intact,” he stated.
Fadi Al-Shammari, a political advisor to Sudani, reiterated that Israel’s threats “are not new,” citing the recent complaint filed by Israel with the UN Security Council as part of its pattern of issuing threats.
In media statements, Al-Shammari reaffirmed the Iraqi government’s long-standing position: “The decision of war and peace lies solely with the Iraqi government.”
He noted that the factions’ attacks are being launched from areas outside Iraq’s borders, specifically from Syria. However, he stressed that the Iraqi government is working through its security and military agencies to prevent Iraq from becoming a battlefield for external or internal parties.
Al-Shammari also called on the United States to fulfill its responsibilities under the Strategic Framework Agreement and security pact with Iraq, emphasizing the need to deter and respond to any external attacks that threaten Iraq’s internal security.