Morocco: Visit of Moroccan Delegation

Morocco: Visit of Moroccan Delegation.

Question: Any comment about the Moroccan delegation meetings with U.S. officials this week?

Answer: Any comment about the Moroccan delegation meetings with U.S. officials this week? On February 12, Under Secretary Burns met a senior Moroccan inter-ministerial delegation to discuss Morocco's efforts to craft a credible proposal to help settle the Western Sahara issue.

Under Secretary Burns thanked the Moroccan delegation for visiting Washington and for presenting their ideas, which he called promising, and commended Morocco's efforts to find a realistic and workable solution to the Western Sahara problem. He urged the Government of Morocco to complete its drafting and consultation process on schedule. The United States appreciates the planning undertaken by the Government of Morocco on this important issue.

2007/111, Released on February 15, 2007

Taken Question Office of the Spokesman, Washington, DC. February 15, 2007 Question Taken at the February 15 Daily Press Briefing

In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, successive Moorish dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad AL-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. In 1860,

Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily erode; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. The internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were turned over to the new country that same year.

Morocco virtually annexed Western Sahara during the late 1970s, but final resolution on the status of the territory remains unresolved. Gradual political reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature, which first met in 1997. Lower house elections were last held held in September 2002 and upper house elections were last held in September 2006. CIA Factbook Morocco

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