MOROCCANS RECEIVE ISRAELI DELEGATION

C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 000974 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/05/2017 TAGS: PREL MO SUBJECT: MOROCCANS RECEIVE ISRAELI DELEGATION Classified by DCM Wayne Bush for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) During a June 5 meeting with DAS Carpenter (septel) Moroccan MFA Director-General Amrani said that he had received an Israeli MFA delegation for a full day of discussions in Rabat during the last week of May. The Israeli delegation was led by Policy Planning Chief Abramovitch and also the Israeli MFA's Office Director for Arab Affairs. In addition to Amrani, the Israelis were received by Foreign Minister Benaissa. Amrani confirmed periodic diplomatic contacts between the GOM and the GOI. "Morocco is an important country for them," he observed. ¶2. (C) Amrani said the Israelis had sought Morocco's assessment of prospects for reviving the peace process. In response, Amrani stated, Morocco had confirmed they want to see the process resumed. They urged the Israelis to "take seriously" the Arab Peace Initiative, and to move to shore up Abu Mazen's position. The Israelis requested that Morocco publicly acknowledge their bilateral dialogue. Underlining pressure from Moroccan public opinion, the Moroccans responded that before going public, the Israelis would have to "make some progress" (with the Palestinians) first. ****************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ****************************************** RILEY