Visit of Secretary of State Albright to the Middle East

Secretary of State Madeleine Albright met with reporters in Rabat September 1, following her meeting with King Mohamed and Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi.

"Morocco is a valued and special partner in the pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity in the Middle East," Albright said.

"Morocco is also a leader in democratic reform. This process begun by King Hassan, and now confirmed by King Mohamed and Prime Minister Youssoufi, is an important example to the region," she continued. "If the Middle East is truly to blossom, and to reach its vast potential, it must engage steadily in the process of democratic opening and economic reform."

The Secretary also noted that she told the King and Prime Minister that "America supports Morocco's efforts to improve bilateral relations with its neighbor Algeria. Progress here would enhance regional stability and open new opportunities for economic growth," she said.

Albright, who was on the first leg of a Middle East trip that will take her to Egypt, Israel, Syria and Jordan, announced that the United States is providing 100,000 metric tons of wheat to Morocco to help alleviate a shortfall caused by this year's drought.

Following is the transcript of Secretary Albright's September 1 press conference with Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi:

(Begin transcript)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
(Rabat, Morocco)
For Immediate Release

Press Conference With
Secretary Of State Madeleine K. Albright
And
Moroccan Prime Minister Youssoufi

Rabat, Morocco
September 1, 1999

English Translation of Prime Minister Yousouffi's remarks:

The Prime Minister said that it was an honor for him to receive the Secretary of State immediately after her meeting with His Majesty, the King. They reviewed all issues which are of concern to Morocco. They also discussed in their questions concerning the Middle East as well as the position of Morocco concerning its national cause. They also reviewed the government action and in this particular conjuncture as well as the objectives that the country is seeking to attain and the challenges that it is confronted with as well as the difficulties besetting the country.

We also emphasize the importance of debt, for as Morocco is concerned, as you know, and as you all know, the burden of debt is a real obstacle to the development of this country and makes it very difficult for this government to run public affairs. And we ask our American friends to convert, if not totally, at least in part, the debt that we have towards America into investments.

We have also reviewed the status of trade exchange between our two countries and we agreed on the need to boost an upgrade (inaudible) relations. And we also discussed the Eizenstat initiative, which lays down a framework for regional cooperation between the three countries of North Africa -- that is Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia -- and the United States.

This is briefly an overview of the issues that we discussed together and the Secretary of State stands ready to answer your questions, if you have any, and I will do my best also to answer questions if there are any questions for me. Thank you.

SECRETARY ALBRIGHT: Well, I am very pleased to begin my trip to this region here in Morocco, and to have a chance to meet with his Majesty, King Mohamed, Prime Minister Youssoufi and Foreign Minister Benaissa.

As President Clinton made clear when he attended the funeral of King Hassan, Americans were shocked and saddened by the late King's sudden passing. We valued his friendship, his wise counsel, and his contributions to peace. He earned a place of honor in the history of our time and we will never forget him or the leadership he provided.

In my meetings, I assured King Mohamed and the Prime Minister that there will be continuity in American friendship and support. Morocco is a valued and special partner in the pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity in the Middle East. And it has carved out a well-deserved reputation for moderation, coexistence and dialogue among peoples of different backgrounds and faiths; principles that will be key to the Middle East future.

Morocco is also a leader in democratic reform. This process begun by King Hassan, and now confirmed by King Mohamed and Prime Minister Youssoufi, is an important example to the region. If the Middle East is truly to blossom, and to reach its vast potential, it must engage steadily in the process of democratic opening and economic reform. Other countries are moving in the right direction, but Morocco is showing the way.

During our meeting, King Mohamed affirmed to me that he will continue on the path of his father, who modernized Morocco, while remaining faithful to its Islamic traditions. I was deeply impressed by the King's compassion and commitment to the economic and social development of his people. I told him, and the Prime Minister, that Moroccans can count on the United States for backing in their efforts to develop a more robust economy that meets educational, health, social and nutritional needs.

And today I am pleased to announce that the United States will provide 100,000 metric tons of wheat to Morocco. This aid will help Morocco to deal with the shortfall caused by drought in this year's harvest of cereals. Local currency generated will equal $15 - $20 million which will contribute to the government's economic reform efforts and social programs. And we will be working with Morocco to expedite procedures under US law so that grain shipments can begin soon, perhaps as early as next month.

On another subject I said in our discussions today that America supports Morocco's efforts to improve bilateral relations with its neighbor Algeria. Progress here would enhance regional stability and open new opportunities for economic growth. The Middle East has entered what could be an historic season of reconciliation and peace. We hope that spirit will extend to outstanding issues in the Maghreb as well.

I want very much to thank the government and people of Morocco for their hospitality. And I appreciate, especially, the opportunity to express my sorrow at your nation's recent loss, and to pay my respects to your new King. Do not doubt America will remain steadfast in its friendship with Morocco. Thank you.

QUESTION: I would like to ask the Prime Minister a question which is you mentioned the subject of the Western Sahara and I would like to know whether Morocco can count on the support of the United States in that connection?

PRIME MINISTER YOUSSOUFI: The long friendship relations that we have always had with the United States prompts us to believe that we can always count on the friendship and the support of the United States of America.

QUESTION: Madam Secretary, the reports on the negotiations that you are headed toward are getting more and more positive. I wondered if you have heard any more positive news. The accounts that we're getting are a dispute over 30 prisoners remains. If this is also, and there is a signing, is the point of my question, what role do you anticipate you, or/and the administration playing as the two sides head toward more serious negotiations over really thorny issues?

SECRETARY ALBRIGHT: Well let me say that we believe that the best kinds of negotiations on all issues, whether they be the kinds that have to do with Wye, or permanent status negotiations, are best carried on between the parties themselves. They are the ones who have to make all the hard decisions. But as has been clear from the very beginning of the peace process, the United States is there in support of the peace process, doing everything we can to facilitate it, to try to broach gaps, and work as we are asked in a very pragmatic way to try to have a comprehensive peace. Not only because we care about the parties involved, but because also it is of national interest to the United States. So as this progresses, we will be there and will be trying to be as useful as we can as I said in a very pragmatic way.

QUESTION: Prime Minister, Mrs. Secretary talked about peace and reconciliation not only in the Middle East Region, but extending to the Maghreb Region. And also discussed about the political evolution in the Maghreb. Is there any indication as to the evolution of those reconciliation efforts within the Maghreb?

PRIME MINISTER YOUSSOUFI: As you know, the very first initiative that I took as head of the new government, was to issue an appeal to our Algerian brothers asking them to open borders between our two countries, and to go back to the status quo (inaudible). And also to renew relations between the inhabitants on the Eastern and the Western parts of the borders.

When President Bouteflika took over as head of state, the late King Hassan II, was the very first international personality to congratulate President Bouteflika and also to express readiness to resume foreign relations and give a new impetus to relations among Maghreb countries. We were very happy to know that President Bouteflika responded in a positive way and this aroused high hopes among the, (inaudible), the very good and positive memories about the joint history of these countries of the Maghreb.

Since then there has been quite a few messages expressed on both sides which prompted us to believe that Moroccan and Algerian relations are braced for a good and positive development. We were actually moved by the statement, by the arrival of President Bouteflika to attend the funeral of the late King Hassan II. And we also were happy to note that President Bouteflika had brotherly talks with his Majesty, King Mohamed VI.

All these indications prompted us to believe that relations between the two countries can only develop in the proper way. Thank you.

QUESTION: Yes, I have a question for the Prime Minister. This is Jonathan Wright, from Reuters. I understand that this evening that President Bouteflika made a speech attacking Morocco saying that Morocco had allowed its border to be used for armed attacks against Algerian forces and that this made it impossible to consider reopening the border. I did hear your earlier speech, but does this make it, do you have any answer to such allegations? And in the light of such allegations, how do you see making any progress in relations with Algeria?

PRIME MINISTER YOUSSOUFI: I was waiting for Madam Secretary Albright, I received press reports to the effect that the Algerian President had delivered a speech. We have only received a summary of such a speech. So far we have not received an extensive version of the speech. And therefore we are not in a position to analyze it. Nor are we in a position to understand the motivations of such a speech.

Thank You.

(End transcript)