Morocco signs NATO anti-terrorism patrols

Morocco agreed Monday to contribute to NATO's anti-terrorism operation in the Mediterranean Sea, the first North African nation to do so.

NATO's Operation Active Endeavor was launched after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the United States. Under the operation, NATO ships and aircraft monitor and escort shipping across the Mediterranean to deter terrorist activity.

NATO officials said more talks were needed between Moroccan and NATO military commanders before a decision could be taken on the level of Morocco's contribution. "This agreement testifies in an indisputable way to our common determination to fight terrorism, which affects both your country and the countries of the alliance," said NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer after he signed the agreement with Morocco's ambassador Menouar Alem.

Morocco is one of seven nations in North Africa and the Middle East that participate in the NATO outreach program, launched in 1994 to build closer cooperation. In 2004, NATO invited them to participate in the anti terrorism patrols in the Mediterranean, but until now only Israel has signed up. Israel does not have ships serving with the NATO operation, but reached agreement in June 2007 to share information with NATO.

NATO officials say other north African nations have expressed interest in contributing to the mission. Morocco already has 220 troops serving in the NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kosovo.

A largely moderate Muslim kingdom and a strong U.S. ally, Morocco has seen a rise of radical Islam in recent years and has jailed hundred of suspected Islamic militants under anti-terrorism laws passed in 2003. That legislation was adopted after a string of terror bombings in Casablanca killed 45 people.

IHT