Latest news with #AlQudsCommittee
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
In light of its Chairmanship of Al-Quds Committee, Morocco Sees Two-State Solution as Cornerstone to Regional Security and Stability- Morocco's Foreign Minister
Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates Mr. Nasser Bourita affirmed on Tuesday in Rabat that the Kingdom of Morocco, in light of its historical responsibility and its chairmanship of the Al-Quds Committee, considers the two-state solution as the cornerstone for ensuring the security and stability of the region. Speaking at the opening of the fifth meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution—organized by the Kingdom of Morocco in partnership with the Kingdom of the Netherlands under the theme "Sustaining Momentum for the Peace Process: Lessons Learned, Success Stories and Steps Forward", MFA Bourita noted that the Two-State solution "is the only option where there are no losers, as everyone gains: Palestinians gain their freedom and dignity, Israelis their security and stability, and the entire region gains opportunities for development and progress." The Minister stressed that the Two-State solution is neither an empty slogan nor a pretext for diplomatic posturing, but a moral commitment and a realistic political option that can no longer be postponed or subject to hesitation. "In this context, wars have been waged and violence has afflicted all parties, never bringing about peace or lasting security. Today, it is imperative to translate this choice into a roadmap with a clear timeline and responsible steps,' he added. According to MFA Bourita, it is evident that "some do lose from the implementation of this solution: extremists on all sides, who thrive on the conflict and live in its shadow. Also among the losers are those who trade in slogans and claim to support the Palestinian people without offering even a bag of rice, simply because they prefer the comfort of opposition over the responsibility of action." He emphasized that the Two-State solution is not a fleeting idea but a historic choice endorsed by the international community for decades. Despite successive crises, this option remains the only viable path toward a just and lasting settlement, enabling the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Al-Quds as its capital. Throughout the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Bourita recalled, this horizon has sometimes seemed within reach, and at other times more distant, but it remains the guiding compass toward a peaceful resolution for the benefit of both peoples and the wider region—one that ensures the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within internationally recognized borders. In this regard, the Minister affirmed that Morocco, under the leadership of its Sovereigns, has always remained faithful to this vision. From the reign of the late His Majesty King Hassan II, may God rest his soul, to the reign of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, Moroccan diplomacy has consistently worked with determination and calm—sometimes in silence but always with wisdom and effectiveness—to bring viewpoints closer and increase the chances for a just peace. MFA Bourita emphasized that His Majesty the King clearly outlined the parameters for overcoming the current deadlock in His address at the recent Arab Summit in Baghdad. These include the immediate cessation of military operations, viewed as both a humanitarian and political priority, and the need to confront attacks in the West Bank, including demolitions and forced displacements. He added that it is also essential to ensure the unhindered and unconditional delivery of humanitarian aid, to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) so it can continue its humanitarian mission, and to launch an integrated reconstruction plan in accordance with the conclusions of the recent Cairo Summit, under the supervision of the Palestinian Authority and with Arab and international oversight. Furthermore, MFA Bourita highlighted that the approach of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution rests on three main pillars. The first involves drawing on past successes to move toward a promising future. "We do not recall previous peace agreements to justify failures but to prove that peace is not a mirage, but a realistic prospect when the will to achieve it exists," he stated. The second pillar aims to strengthen institutional support for the Palestinian National Authority, he added, noting that, the Authority under the leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas, remains the only viable partner, and reinforcing its capacities and legitimacy is essential to the success of the Two-State solution—not as a precondition for recognizing the Palestinian state, but because the sovereignty of peoples should never be conditional. Regarding the third pillar, MFA Bourita stated that it involves embedding the economic dimension in the peace process, emphasizing that there can be no peace without a solid economic foundation. "The economy of peace" must serve as a vehicle for integration, a lever for coexistence, and a platform for launching joint projects, he said. In this regard, he added, the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency is well-positioned to play a central role in supporting the Palestinian national economy, as it has done for years in line with the directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee. "But let's be clear," he stressed, "no amount of economic support can substitute for a political solution. We do not want temporary painkillers, but rather a fundamental treatment of the conflict." On this occasion, MFA Bourita called for enriching the "Compendium," which Morocco intends to present jointly with the Netherlands. He also praised the leading role played by Saudi Arabia, Norway, and the European Union in driving this Alliance forward, while expressing Morocco's support for the Franco-Saudi co-presidency of the High-Level Conference on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the Two-State solution, scheduled for next month in New York. The Minister stressed that holding this meeting in a dramatic context marked by the ongoing Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip is not just another diplomatic gathering, but a message of hope addressed to the peoples of the Middle East and a concrete step toward reviving the Two-State option to make it a tangible reality through effective measures. At this crucial historical juncture, Bourita affirmed, "we believe that our Alliance can be part of the promising initiatives capable of injecting new momentum into peace efforts by proposing concrete measures and tangible actions to bring the political process to a more advanced level and thereby create the diplomatic dynamic needed to establish the Two-State solution as the only path to a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace for the Palestinian cause." Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.
Morocco World
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Arab Summit Recognizes Role of Al Quds Committee Chaired by King Mohammed VI
Doha – The Extraordinary Arab Summit held on Tuesday in Cairo, affirmed the role of the Al Quds Committee chaired by King Mohammed VI and the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency, the committee's executive arm. This affirmation was included in the Cairo Declaration, which concluded the summit that convened to discuss developments in Gaza reconstruction and how to further support the Palestinian cause. Egypt hosted the summit incoordination with Bahrain – the current chair of the Arab League Council – and in consultation with Arab countries. Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita represented King Mohammed VI at the gathering. The Moroccan delegation also included Mohammed Ait Ouali, Morocco's Ambassador to Egypt and Permanent Representative to the Arab League, and Abdelali El Jahid, Head of the Arab and Islamic Organizations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 'The Palestinian cause is at the same rank as the national cause' In a press statement, Bourita reiterated the constant support of King Mohammed VI for all initiatives aimed at enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their legitimate rights. He affirmed that the King's vision on the Palestinian cause has always been clear, noting that it is placed 'at the same rank as the national cause of the Kingdom.' Bourita declared that the summit was being held in a delicate situation marked by 'the repercussions of Israeli aggression against Gaza for nearly a year and a half of destruction and killings,' as well as following the announcement of a ceasefire that remains 'fragile, transgressed and faced with several difficulties.' He stressed that Morocco's position, as defined by the King, rests on several points, clarifying that 'Gaza, like the West Bank, is part of Palestinian territory and it is therefore up to the Palestinian people to decide its future.' Bourita asserted that since these are Palestinian territories, 'it is the Palestinian people and the Palestinian Authority who must take the initiative to determine their future.' Bourita pointed out that before reaching the reconstruction phase, 'it is imperative to consolidate the ceasefire, allow the delivery of humanitarian aid, move to the next stages in the ceasefire agreement and, finally, progress towards a lasting cessation of hostilities.' He articulated that while the technical and financial aspects of reconstruction in Gaza are important, the operation 'must be deployed within the framework of a political vision and accompaniment,' with commitment from all regional and Palestinian actors to ensure its success. The minister insisted that the dire situation in Gaza 'should in no way divert attention from what is happening in the West Bank and Al-Quds (Jerusalem).' He voiced the King's constant position, as President of the Al-Quds Committee, in favor of 'preserving the legal and historical status of the Holy City as a place of coexistence and supporting the resilience of its inhabitants, particularly in these difficult circumstances.' On the sidelines of the summit, Bourita held talks with Badr Abdelatty, Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as with Taher Salem Al-Baour, the acting head of Libya's Foreign Ministry. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing issues on the summit's agenda. The Cairo summit, which was assembled at the request of Palestine, sought to examine developments in the Palestinian issue and ways to support the Palestinian people, alongside unifying the Arab position on the issue and developing a practical plan to address current challenges. Cairo Declaration In their final declaration, the Arab leaders stated that 'peace remains the strategic choice for Arab nations' based on the two-state solution. They also stated their commitment to 'achieving a just and comprehensive peace that fulfills all Palestinian rights, particularly the right to freedom and an independent, sovereign state.' The leaders specifically rejected 'any form of Palestinian displacement, whether within or beyond their land, under any pretext or justification,' describing such acts as 'severe violations of international law and crimes against humanity amounting to ethnic cleansing.' They criticized 'policies of starvation and scorched-earth tactics aimed at forcing Palestinians from their land' and stressed 'Israel's obligation as an occupying power to abide by international legal rulings prohibiting demographic changes in the Palestinian territories.' The declaration strongly condemned 'Israel's recent decision to halt humanitarian aid to Gaza and close border crossings used for relief operations,' stating that these measures 'violate the ceasefire agreement and international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention.' The leaders also demanded 'an end to Israeli aggression in the West Bank, including settlement expansion, home demolitions, land confiscation, military raids, and violations of religious sites,' categorically rejecting 'any attempts to internally displace Palestinians.' On holding Israel accountable, the declaration endorsed 'the international legal pursuit of Israeli accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed against the Palestinian people' and supported 'global legal actions to hold Israeli officials accountable.' Regarding reconstruction efforts, the summit approved Egypt's recovery and reconstruction plan for Gaza, which was developed in coordination with Palestine and other Arab nations. The plan comes as a stark counter to the controversial proposal that US President Donald Trump recently made, saying that he plans to 'take over' Gaza, threatening ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people. The Arab leaders expressed desire to hold an international conference in Cairo 'at the earliest opportunity' in order to support Gaza's reconstruction, which includes establishing financial pledges to aid necessary projects. The declaration concluded by calling on 'the UN Security Council to deploy international peacekeeping forces in the West Bank and Gaza to safeguard security for Palestinians and Israelis while advancing the prospects of Palestinian statehood.' Tags: Arab Summit on GazaKing Mohammed VI and Al Quds Committee
