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Morocco PM Rejects ‘Betrayal’ Accusations after Signing Normalization Deal with Israel

Morocco’s Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani. (PJD Press Office)
Morocco’s Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani. (PJD Press Office)
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Morocco PM Rejects ‘Betrayal’ Accusations after Signing Normalization Deal with Israel

Morocco’s Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani. (PJD Press Office)
Morocco’s Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani. (PJD Press Office)

Morocco’s Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani has denounced statements accusing him of “betraying” the Palestinian cause, after he signed a normalization deal with Israel on Dec. 22.

He justified this step by affirming that his Justice and Development Party (PJD) cannot contradict with the state’s choices and the King’s directives.

In a speech before a PJD National Council meeting, the PM said his party acted in support of King Mohammed VI’s national effort “to defend the sovereignty of the homeland and consecrate the Moroccan Sahara.”

Bolstering Morocco’s sovereignty and enhancing its national unity are among the party’s program and targets, he noted.

Othmani said that he accepts the criticism, however, he rejects any questioning of the party’s position and that of Morocco, regarding the Palestinian cause.

He asserted that there are no compromises when it comes to the Palestinian cause, as well as the Sahara issue, stressing that he still rejects the violations committed by Israel against Palestinians and its settlements activities.

The PM renewed support to the Palestinians’ right to return to their country and establish a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

He cited a royal statement on Dec. 10, which stressed that recent “measures do not in any manner affect Morocco’s ongoing and sustained commitment to the just Palestinian cause.”

Othmani expressed surprise by those who attacked his party and accused it of changing its position.

“We reject the attacks and any questioning of the party’s position and Morocco’s position regarding the struggle of the Palestinian people,” he stressed, in reference to remarks by the Palestinian Hamas movement.

“What is required is clarity and steadfastness in the positions, as well as strength to act on their basis,” he said, calling on everyone to be “just, objective and humble.”

According to Othmani, the PJD’s strategy is based on being loyal to the king, fulfilling the unified national principles, contributing to political and social reform and maintaining its political and organizational unity.

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Arab World

Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.