Morocco : Benkirane defends his support for Iran
«I stand with Morocco against Iran when the conflict directly involves our country, and I support Morocco against any state that seeks to confront it», he declared. Defending his position, Benkirane recalled instructing PJD members not to join the early demonstrations of the February 20 Movement in 2011, during the Arab Spring.
«The one who opposed those protests from the very beginning was me, Abdelilah Benkirane. It's time to stop the one-upmanship», he added. He clarified that his support for Iran stems from religious considerations: «Today, Iran is not confronting Morocco but Israel, which is backed by the United States». Benkirane stressed that Iran supports the Palestinians in their struggle against Israeli aggression.
As a reminder, on November 23, 2024, Benkirane praised «the axis of resistance, the only force that truly supports the Palestinians and has paid a high price for it, namely the Shia axis, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and Iran». In his speech, however, he avoided any reference to Iran's backing of the Polisario or its recognition of the so-called «SADR».
Just hours after the June 13 Israeli strikes on targets in Iran, the PJD's general secretariat condemned the attacks, describing them as a «Zionist terrorist aggression against the Iranian people» and a «violation of Iran's territory and sovereignty». PJD stated that «the targeting of infrastructure and the assassination of Iranian leaders» represented a «flagrant breach of international laws and conventions, amid reprehensible international silence and the full complicity of the United States».
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Ya Biladi
16 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
Investigation into Mehdi Ben Barka's disappearance continues in Paris with renewed efforts
In Paris, the investigation into the disappearance of Mehdi Ben Barka, abducted in 1965 outside the Lipp brasserie, is still ongoing. His son, Bachir Ben Barka, was recently interviewed as a civil party. The hearing lasted two hours. He insists that «the investigation is not at a standstill» and praised the dedication of the current investigating judge. «In just one year, she has immersed herself in the case and is determined to move the investigation forward», he told AFP. Opened in 1975, it is the oldest ongoing judicial investigation in France. Mehdi Ben Barka, a leading figure in the anti-colonial movement and a vocal opponent of King Hassan II, was never found. He had been sentenced to death in absentia by Moroccan authorities. A 1967 trial revealed the involvement of Moroccan intelligence, assisted by French police officers and underworld criminals. But for Bachir Ben Barka, the circle of responsibility is wider. «It's now established that Israeli intelligence was involved in the disappearance, and that both French and American services had prior knowledge», he stated, firmly convinced that his father was the victim of a coordinated conspiracy. He condemned the inaction of both French and Moroccan authorities. «I think they're just waiting for all the witnesses to die», he said bitterly, also denouncing the «masquerade» of the French state after its much-publicized declassification of documents already present in the case file. Of the five arrest warrants issued in 2007, only two remain active. The other three suspects have since died, including General Hosni Benslimane and Miloud Tounsi, also known as Larbi Chtouki. According to the family's lawyer, Marie Dosé, time might still play in favor of uncovering the truth. «Some witnesses may finally dare to speak. Some documents might yet be declassified», she said, though with cautious pessimism.
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Morocco World
Syria President Accuses Israel of Undermining Country's National Stability
Rabat — Syrian interim President Ahmed Al Sharaa has accused Israel of interfering with his country's national stability, following Israeli Occupation Forces' (IOF) strikes on Damascus. In a speech he delivered early Thursday morning, the Syrian interim leader blamed Israel of attempting to destabilize his country by fueling internal chaos and seeking to fracture Syrian unity amid escalating events in Sweida southern province. Sharaa said that 'the Israeli entity, which has always targeted our stability and created discord among us since the fall of the former regime, now seeks again to turn our pure land into an endless arena of chaos.' He also said that Israel is exploiting differences in the country to undermine Syria's transition and ability to move forward with reconstruction efforts. The Syrian president argued that Israel 'never stops using all methods to plant disputes and conflicts.' Syrians have throughout their long history 'rejected all separation and division,' he argued, adding that a power-drunk Israel will not achieve the Victory and control it seeks in Syria. Regarding the situation in Sweida, Sharaa explained that his government intervened to stop fighting between armed groups within the province, blaming Israel of 'widespread targeting of civilian and government facilities to undermine these efforts.' He argued that IOF's interference led to 'significantly complicating the situation and pushing matters toward large-scale escalation, if not for effective American, Arab, and Turkish mediation.' The Syrian president confirmed that his country was at a crossroads to either 'open war with the Israeli entity at the expense of our Druze people and their security,' or 'allowing Druze notables and elders to return to their senses and prioritize national interest.' 'Preserving national unity, stability, and the safety of our people' remains the Syrian state's priority, he said, concluding that 'law and justice protect everyone's rights without exception.' Syria's Druze and government reached a ceasefire yesterday, after clashes broke out over the weekend between Druze forces and Bedouin tribes. The clashes prompted an intervention from the Syrian government forces, with Israel then launching strikes against Syrian government forces and vowing to protect the Druze community in Syria. Tags: Ahmed Al SharaaIOFnational stabilitySyria
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Morocco World
US Congressman Recognizes Morocco as a Pillar of Stability, Reform
In a recent statement from Washington, US Congressman Joe Wilson expressed strong admiration for Morocco's role as a beacon of stability and reform in Africa. He credited King Mohammed VI's leadership for steering the country toward significant political and social progress that resonates beyond its borders. Wilson noted Morocco's bold steps in constitutional reform and its efforts to expand women's rights, portraying these initiatives as essential to the North African country's advancement. He also emphasized the unique atmosphere of religious tolerance Morocco fosters among Muslims, Christians, and Jews, an approach that sets the country apart in a complex regional landscape. The congressman pointed to the King's dedication to sustainable development, which, according to him, has propelled Morocco to a leadership position in Africa and across the Mediterranean. This commitment depicts a forward-thinking vision that aligns with global efforts to balance growth and environmental responsibility. Wilson's recognition of Morocco's stability carries additional weight in light of recent developments in the US Congress. He has officially introduced a bill calling for the designation of the Polisario Front as a foreign terrorist organization, citing its violent actions against Moroccan forces and its ties to Hezbollah, the Iranian proxy. The proposed legislation lays out a detailed case connecting the group to regional destabilization and security threats, concerns that directly contrast with Morocco's efforts to promote order and cooperation. Reflecting on nearly 250 years of diplomatic ties, Wilson reminded that Morocco was the first country to recognize the US, and has remained a steadfast ally ever since. He described Morocco as an ideal partner for the US, especially in economic cooperation and counterterrorism efforts, underscoring the strong trust and collaboration between the two nations. Wilson also welcomed the strengthening of the Moroccan-American relationship, noting that the partnership is grounded in shared values such as peace, security, and respect. Tags: Moroccopolitical stabilityUS Morocco tiesWilson
