Morocco, US Discuss Cooperation in Security, Regional Defense

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken (Reuters)
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken (Reuters)
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Morocco, US Discuss Cooperation in Security, Regional Defense

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken (Reuters)
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken (Reuters)

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken held a telephone conversation with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, during which he praised Morocco's commitment to peace and security in the Middle East region.

Blinken tweeted that they discussed the strong bilateral, regional security and defense cooperation.

"We also discussed my recent trip and meetings with Egyptian, Israeli, and Palestinian leaders."

A statement by the US State Department spokesman Ned Price stated that Blinken, who is on tour in the Middle East, discussed with Bourita "shared priorities in the bilateral relationship and efforts to advance regional stability."

Blinken and Bourita also discussed his recent travel and engagements with Egyptian, Israeli, and Palestinian leaders, during which he called for de-escalation and an end to the cycle of violence.

The Secretary commended the Foreign Minister for Morocco's commitment to promoting peace and security in the region, including Morocco's participation in the Negev Forum.

Earlier, the US commended Morocco's role, under King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the al-Quds Committee, in supporting the Palestinian people and advancing a two-state solution and peace in the Middle East region.

Price indicated, during a press conference at the Washington Foreign Press Center, that Morocco has a unique relationship with the Palestinians.

"We appreciate Morocco's role in providing aid and assistance to the Palestinian people and to supporting a two-state solution, something that, of course, is at the center of all of our efforts in the region as well," asserted Price.



US Defers Removal of Some Lebanese, Citing Israel-Hezbollah Tensions

Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
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US Defers Removal of Some Lebanese, Citing Israel-Hezbollah Tensions

Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)
Smoke billows from a site targeted by Lebanon's Hezbollah, along the northern Israeli border with Lebanon on July 25, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. (AFP)

The United States is deferring the removal of certain Lebanese citizens from the country, President Joe Biden said on Friday, citing humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon amid tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

The deferred designation, which lasts 18 months, allows Lebanese citizens to remain in the country with the right to work, according to a memorandum Biden sent to the Department of Homeland Security.

"Humanitarian conditions in southern Lebanon have significantly deteriorated due to tensions between Hezbollah and Israel," Biden said in the memo.

"While I remain focused on de-escalating the situation and improving humanitarian conditions, many civilians remain in danger; therefore, I am directing the deferral of removal of certain Lebanese nationals who are present in the United States."

Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have been trading fire since Hezbollah announced a "support front" with Palestinians shortly after its ally Hamas attacked southern Israeli border communities on Oct. 7, triggering Israel's military assault in Gaza.

The fighting in Lebanon has killed more than 100 civilians and more than 300 Hezbollah fighters, according to a Reuters tally, and led to levels of destruction in Lebanese border towns and villages not seen since the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war.

On the Israeli side, 10 Israeli civilians, a foreign agricultural worker and 20 Israeli soldiers have been killed. Tens of thousands have been evacuated from both sides of the border.