Morocco angers Syria

Press, 23 July 1986, Page 12

Morocco angers Syria

NZPA-Reuter Damascus Syria severed diplomatic relations with Morocco today in protest against a visit by the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Shimon Peres, for talks with King Hassan of Morocco. The Syrian President, Mr Hafez Assad, also urged other Arab States to take decisive measures “against this dirty step which the Moroccan King has embarked on.” The break was announced in an official statement over Damascus radio some 12 hours after news filtered out of the unannounced visit by Mr Peres. King Hassan would be the first Arab leader to

publicly meet an Israeli Prime Minister since the late Egyptian President, Anwar Sadat, signed a peace treaty with Menachem Begin in 1979. The peace pact led to Egypt’s isolation in the Arab world because nearly all Arab States broke off ties with Cairo. The statement from Syria, a radical frontline State in the Arab struggle against Israel, accused King Hassan of “committing a new treason against the Arab nation.” Syria was severing “all kinds of relations” with Morocco. Syria urged all other Arab Governments "to take measures that are in line with the Arab nation’s commitments, principles

and honour.” The visit by Mr Peres surprised the Arab world and prompted speculation about hew Middle East peace efforts. King Hassan, who came to power in 1961, is considered to be one of the moderate Arab leaders and played a behind-the-scenes role in helping to facilitate Mr Sadat’s historic trip to Israel. Mr Sadat was assassinated by a fundamentalist Muslim group in 1981. Egypt was suspended from the -Arab League after Mr Sadat made his peace with Israel. The only member States that did not break off relations with Egypt were Sudan, Oman, and Somalia. Jordan restored ties in 1984.