DOOM! MOROCCO DOOM! King of Morocco Mohammed VI Meets With Putin! Morocco Kicks Out 80 UN Observers! Casablanca Soccer Riot Kills Two!

15 MARCH 

Russia, Morocco sign agreements on mutual protection of secret information

Russia and Morocco have signed an agreement on mutual protection of secret information in the military and military-technical areas, as well as a joint statement on counteraction against international terrorism. The talks resulted in the signing of bilateral documents in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and King Mohammed VI of Morocco. rbth Read More>>>>>>

Vladimir Putin: It is a pleasure, Your Majesty, to welcome you to the capital of Russia, particularly this year, because it was precisely 50 years ago that you father, King Hassan II, visited the Soviet Union, thus establishing relations between our two countries, which have been developing ever since. I am certain, Your Majesty, that your current visit will also serve as an impetus for the development of ties between our states.

Vladimir Putin: There is a great deal our colleagues and we have to discuss. We have wonderful relations with Morocco, though it is strange that we have been seeing a certain reduction in trade, specifically in certain traditional Moroccan goods. I do not understand the reasons for the drop in shipments of Moroccan fruit, oranges or tomatoes to Russia, particularly given the limitations in the supply of these products from the European Union countries. It is also very important for me, Your Majesty, to learn your views on regional matters. Welcome.

King Mohammed VI of Morocco (retranslated): Mr President, I hope we will be able to discuss these and other important issues. Thank you very much for your warm welcome. This is my second visit to Moscow, and I recall our meeting with you here in this very same room. It is always with great joy that I come to your country. I have brought with me a representative delegation and I hope the Government ministers on it would be able to consider the matters that interest you in the course of our meeting and afterwards. Unfortunately, the Moroccan Foreign Minister was unable to come because he is currently on a flight between New York and Washington. However, I assure you, this will not influence in any way our ability to develop bilateral relations. As you may know, we have long-standing relations with Europe. I hope that our traditional EU partners – France, Spain and Portugal – will help us overcome the current difficult period as soon as possible. As the Minister of Agriculture accompanies me on this visit, we will be able to discuss the export of Moroccan products to Russia.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.

The discussion focused on pressing issues of bilateral cooperation and international affairs.

During the day, King Mohammed VI payed tribute to Soviet soldiers killed during World War II when visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a war memorial located at the Kremlin Wall in the Alexander Garden in Moscow. Moroccan Times

19 MARCH

Two dead and 49 injured after rivals fan riot at football stadium

Two people have died and 54 injured following violent clashes between rival football fans in Casablanca, Morocco. Video has emerged showing brawls breaking out between fans of Raja de Casablanca and Chabab Rif Al Hoceima. Groups of fans are seen hurling flares at each other, while taking it in turns to charge at rival supporters. The rioting started after the final whistle in a match won by Raja de Casablanca 2-1 at the Stade Mohammed V stadium. The disorder appeared to caused a number of crushes in the ground. Footage of the clashes shows a number of fans lying apparently motionless on the ground at skirmishes continue around them. Independent Read More>>>>

20 MARCH

Morocco asks U.N. to shut military office in Western Sahara

Morocco has asked the United Nations to close a military liaison office in the disputed territory of Western Sahara as a spat between Rabat and the U.N. chief over his recent remarks escalates, a U.N. spokesman said on Monday. Dozens of U.N. international staffers pulled out of the Western Sahara mission, known as MINURSO, on Sunday after Morocco demanded they leave because U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon used the term "occupation" during a recent visit to the region. "MINURSO has ... received a request to close its military liaison office in Dakhla in the coming days, which would be the first request directly targeting the military component," U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters. "There is no reason, none, for this escalation," he said. Reuters Read More>>>>>