Morocco foreign minister Nasser Bourita has called for combating non-State armed groups which are now threatening the world’s maritime corridors and straits.
The minister, who delivered Morocco’s statement at the 81st session of UN General Assembly convening in New York, said the threat of these non-State armed groups is growing, sounding the alarm against their ties with terrorist organizations, criminal networks, and mercenary elements.
“These groups must be dealt firmly with responsibility”, said the minister”, noting that the States that sponsor, harbor, finance, arm, and provide them with safe haven and support must be held accountable.”
These groups, as well as their sponsors, cannot be allowed to become a means of evading accountability or a tool for carrying out what States cannot do directly, underlined the minister calling for deterrent sanctions.
Climate action must also be prioritized, he said, as peace and sustainable development can only be sustained through effectively responding to climate change, which is already affecting water and food security, the stability of territories and economies, and the living conditions of populations.
Morocco is making a national effort on climate action, affirmed Mr. Bourita, highlighting the impact of climate change on the African continent. But, addressing climate change challenges require broader actions, said the minister, citing in this regard the need for affordable and accessible financing, technology transfer and genuine international solidarity.
The minister also voiced Morocco’s concern over the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, violence in the West Bank and repeated violations of the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
“Palestine must have its own viable State to ensure a lasting peace in the Middle East”, said Mr. Bourita, underlining Morocco participation in the International Stabilization Force in Gaza (ISF) authorized by the UN Security Council. Spearheaded by U.S.-led Board of Peace, the multinational force will assist in peacekeeping operations during Phase II of the ceasefire agreement.
The North African Kingdom has pledged to deploy a field hospital to provide urgent medical services to Palestinian people in Gaza and launch a comprehensive program to combat hate speech and promote the values of tolerance and coexistence.
