Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07RABAT1161
2007-07-18 16:57:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Rabat
Cable title:  

THE PRESIDENT'S JULY 16 SPEECH ON ARAB-ISRAELI

Tags:  PREL MO 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO6241
PP RUEHROV
DE RUEHRB #1161 1991657
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 181657Z JUL 07
FM AMEMBASSY RABAT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6943
INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE
RUEHCL/AMCONSUL CASABLANCA 3229
C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 001161 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/18/2017
TAGS: PREL MO
SUBJECT: THE PRESIDENT'S JULY 16 SPEECH ON ARAB-ISRAELI
PEACE: GOM OFFERS INITIAL WELCOME, MOROCCAN MEDIA TEPID

REF: RABAT MEDIA REACTION 7/18/07

Classified by Polcouns Craig Karp for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 001161

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/18/2017
TAGS: PREL MO
SUBJECT: THE PRESIDENT'S JULY 16 SPEECH ON ARAB-ISRAELI
PEACE: GOM OFFERS INITIAL WELCOME, MOROCCAN MEDIA TEPID

REF: RABAT MEDIA REACTION 7/18/07

Classified by Polcouns Craig Karp for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Mohammed Azeroual, Director-General for Arab and
Islamic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told
polcouns on July 18 that Morocco "welcomed all initiatives"
aimed at restarting the Arab-Israeli peace process and was
eager to learn more about the modalities of the U.S. proposal
unveiled by President Bush during his July 16 speech. When
we tried to pass Azeroual a copy of the remarks, he opened a
file that contained not only the text of the speech but a
compilation of press reaction from around the region. Noting
that the President had cited the participation of
"neighboring states" in a peace conference, Azeroual flagged
reports in the Israeli press that Morocco and Saudi Arabia
would also be invited and asked if this was true.


2. (C) Azeroual stressed to polcouns that for the GOM, direct
contacts with Israel were "no problem at all" and occurred on
a "regular and systematic basis." The mid-July meeting of FM
Benaissa and Israeli FM Livni in Paris was just the latest
manifestation of these continuing contacts. Azeroual also
drew attention to Arab League SYG Amr Moussa's statement of
support following the President's speech, opining that it
augured well, as this was not a personal statement but
represented the League. Azeroual said Morocco looked forward
to hearing more details of the U.S. proposal as the plan gets
fleshed out.


3. (SBU) Reactions from the Moroccan media have been more
tepid. To date, most of the coverage of the speech has been
factual and low key. A few broadcast and print outlets have
noted the negative reaction from Hamas, flagged crticism of
the speech from Israeli commentators, and expressed doubt
about the ability of a "lame duck" president to advance the
process at this stage.



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RILEY