"We aspire to overcome the obstacles and difficulties that we have had for a few years," Fassi said at a joint Press conference with visiting U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, hoping that "relations between Morocco and Algeria will be normalized and Maghreban integration will be achieved." 

    "We are pleased with the efforts made by the international community to help us work together and cooperate to ensure the stability of the region and achieve a Maghreb that is economically integrated and socially open," the Moroccan diplomat asserted.

       Fassi fihri hailed the U.S. administration's support to the integration of the Maghreb, as the latter, he said, "deserves such an attention not only for strategic and security reasons but also for those related to progress, development, and democracy."

        The minister also hailed as "good"  the talks he held with his American peer, notably concerning relations with Algeria, stability and security in the region, as well as the means to face international terrorism.

         For her part, Rice called for establishing good relations between Algeria and Morocco, "given some of the challenges the two face in the Maghreb."
 
        She also reiterated her country's support for the Sahara negotiations, deeming that "there are good ideas on the table" and that "there is no need to start over."

          Rice who wrapped up her two-day official visit, held talks, earlier, with Taieb Fassi Fihri and Prime Minister, Abbas El Fassi.

Source: MAP
News and events on Western Sahara issue / Corcas