King Mohammed VI has reiterated firm support to the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people to establish their independent, sovereign state on June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, on the basis of the two-state solution.
In a speech read out on his behalf by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch at the 33rd Arab summit convened Thursday in Manama, the Monarch said the current reprisals in the Gaza Strip have revealed grave violations of international law and international humanitarian law.
The King reiterated his strong condemnation of the killing of innocent people, saying that imposing a new reality in the Gaza Strip and attempting to forcibly displaced Palestinians are unacceptable acts that will only aggravate the situation and further fuel violence and instability.
The Gaza Strip is an integral part of the Palestinian territories and of the unified Palestinian state, reaffirmed the Monarch, stressing the need to accelerate the steady provision of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in the entire Gaza Strip, and to make sure defenseless civilians are better protected.
“As Chairman of the al-Quds Committee, and working in close coordination with my brother, His Excellency Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, I shall continue to exert all possible efforts to preserve the legal, historical and cultural status of the Holy City”, said the King.
Through the field work carried out by the Bayt Mal al-Quds Agency, which is the executive arm of the al-Quds Committee, “I have made sure concrete plans and projects continue to be implemented”, underlined the Moroccan Sovereign, noting that the aim is to preserve the cultural identity of the Holy City, improve the social and living conditions of its inhabitants, and support their steadfastness as well as their continued presence in the City.
Regarding the crises rocking some Arab nations, the King voices hope that the situation will soon stabilize in these countries, and that dialogue and peaceful initiatives will prevail, instead of the logic of force or military solutions, thereby contributing to practical, effective and sustainable settlements.
Inter-Arab economic integration has yet to reach the aspired level despite the fact that Arab countries have all the ingredients for success, deplored the Monarch, affirming that this situation is not an inevitable destiny.
The King called, in this regard, for the adoption of a realistic vision firmly based on joint action and a commitment to the principles of good neighborliness, respect for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Arab states, and a pledge to refrain from interfering in their affairs, or sow the seeds of division and secession.
“I cannot but regret, once again, that the Arab Maghreb Union has not been able to play its natural role with respect to supporting co-development in the Maghreb countries by ensuring, in particular, the free movement of people, capital, goods and services between the five countries making up the Union”, said the Monarch.
The future of our Arab Ummah hinges on the formulation of a common strategic vision, making sure there is genuine political will to consolidate its unity and close its ranks in order to serve the common interests of our peoples and fulfil their aspirations for greater understanding and integration among its members, said the King.
This means “we should devote special attention to our human resources – especially Arab youth – and enhance their skills and qualifications”, added the Monarch, stressing the importance of education & training, and the creation of more job opportunities for young people in various sectors to help them engage in political life and contribute actively to the economic and social development of their countries.
“Properly trained principled, responsible youth are the true wealth of our nations. Giving them such training is the best way to enhance the standing of our countries and make sure our nations can effectively tackle the crucial issues facing them and be influential actors in their respective regional and international environments”, said the King of Morocco.
