Kaplan said the key impediment to Moroccan cooperation with its
neighbors has been the dispute over Western Sahara. In his nomination
hearing, Kaplan did not cite Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara or
support by Congress and the former Bush administration.
Diplomatic sources said President Barack Obama has withdrawn
U.S. support for Morocco's autonomy plan. The sources said Obama has not
ruled out a United Nations-arranged effort that would grant the
Algerian-backed Polisario control over the entire region.
"One of the major impediments to improved cooperation among North
African countries has been the issue of Western Sahara," Kaplan said. "If I
am confirmed as ambassador to Morocco, I will fully support the efforts of
the UN secretary-general's personal envoy to work with Morocco and other
parties in the region toward a just, lasting and mutually-acceptable
political solution."
In testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Kaplan, a career
attorney and businessman, reviewed the U.S. assessment of the security
situation in Morocco. He said the North African kingdom must reduce AQIM's
capability by accelerating development, democracy and regional cooperation.
"If confirmed, I will continue our efforts to promote partnership,
expand U.S. exports, promote human rights, counter extremism, reinforce
military cooperation and peacekeeping, and of course, to protect Americans
living abroad," Kaplan said on July 22.
In 2008, the United States launched a project to supply Morocco, deemed
a major non-NATO ally, with 24 F-16 Block 52+ multi-role fighters. Morocco
has been the first North African to order the advanced F-16.
