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Germany calls for energy cooperation to back Arab democracy
May 17, 2011, 9:41 GMT
Rabat - Germany on Tuesday called for an 'energy partnership' between the European Union and North Africa, saying that would help Europe to support pro-democracy movements in the region.
European foreign policy 'must be reoriented, so that it deliberately supports democratic change,' German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said at a conference, in the Moroccan capital Rabat, on Arab democracy movements.
He also expressed concern about the slowing down of the democratization process in some Arab countries.
Energy cooperation must move from individual projects to a broader framework, Westerwelle said, stressing the importance of the solar energy field.
He also urged Europe to completely open its markets to fruit and vegetables from North Africa.
Westerwelle began his visit to Morocco on Monday in Marrakech, where he paid tribute to the 17 victims of the April 28 terrorist bombing at a cafe popular with tourists.
Westerwelle urged King Mohammed VI to stay his course on democratic reform despite the attack.
The king has pledged constitutional reforms, reducing his own powers and increasing those of the government and parliament. Protest rallies have nevertheless continued in the main Moroccan cities.
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