Brussels, 18/07/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 18 July, in Brussels, Morocco and the EU are to resume their discussions on “advanced status”. The ad hoc working group is entrusted with the task of following up these discussions involving not only the European Commission with all its specialised directorates for matters coming under its scope of competence, but also the Council and member states for matters relating to CFSP. It should enter into a new phase during this 2nd session. In May this year, Morocco had formulated a series of requests to push forward closer ties with the EU. This covers a request for strengthened political dialogue, the holding of institutionalised meetings with the Council structures responsible for CFSP (COPS in particular), and possibly association with European declarations on foreign policy. Morocco already takes part in peacekeeping operations in Kosovo, in support of European forces. At the economic level, Rabat hopes to be involved in specialised European programmes and agencies. Consultation is conducted on various other subjects, such as the prevention of natural disasters. Generally speaking, this is a similar scheme to that which Israel hopes to acquire. The “advanced status” under discussion with Morocco is not exclusive and other countries of the region could claim the same closer ties with the EU in the knowledge, however, that this involves a number of mutual commitments. Some experts working on this dossier are, moreover, said to have preferred the term “indepth bilateral status” rather than “advanced status”, which leaves the impression that one country of the region is given preferential treatment over another.
On Friday, Morocco should receive several elements of a response. Those covered by Community matters (under Commission competence) are on the whole said to be on the way to being met. On the other hand, those in the CFSP field could be met but without the promise of moving forward as far as institutionalisation. The request for periodic consultation at summit level, in particular, would not be retained. The Moroccan side expects finalisation of an agenda that will be specified immediately after resumption of work with the hope of reaching a formal decision at the next Association Council between October and November this year. Morocco is involved in this process on the strength of the appreciation it has received for its economy by the IMF. A mission from the Fund, on a working visit to the country in May not only welcomed the good economic results based on sound financial and economic policies but also encouraged Rabat to pursue its reforms whereby Morocco wants to come closer to the EU. Rabat welcomed the contribution made by Morocco-European Union relations which, by their density and momentum, allowed positive results to be obtained and appreciated by the IMF. (F.B./transl.jl)