Morocco-France Tensions: Former Royal Spokesman Urges Diplomatic Reset

"Of course, the rule is that respect between heads of state is necessary, but from what we know by reading the newspapers, there are problems concerning the Pegasus affair, but I cannot know what is true or not... We know there is a crisis, but this crisis is not necessarily negative, because it cannot be considered from a colonial and outdated perspective. Morocco has changed and has the right to defend its own interests," said Hassan Aourid during a program broadcast on Aswat and reported by TelQuel.

The former royal palace spokesman recalls that the two countries have historical relations and strong communities on their respective territories. "I think it is better not to get too involved in this crisis, because France has a history with us, that is, it has a shared history with us, a history that includes a Moroccan community and common interests," he specified.

On the Sahara issue, the other point of friction between Rabat and Paris, Hassan Aourid believes that "it is obvious that any Moroccan would expect a clearer position from France, but there are known things and unknown things. France has been on Morocco’s side on this issue, this is something we must remember. We hoped that France would maintain this position, but I think we should not talk about it too much..."

And to add: "We must take into account the speech of King Mohammed VI, the Throne speech, where he stressed that we maintain strategic relations with France and Spain, two former colonial powers. We hoped to resolve these problems with Moroccan reason and method, which has always been characterized by wisdom. So, personally, I may not be in line with the general trend... We must not insult the future [...] We are in our right."