Morocco recalls its envoy to Netherlands 'for consultation'

Morocco has recalled its ambassador in The Hague for consultation following the actions of a notorious trafficker of Moroccan origin living in the Netherlands.

Monday, June 26, 2017

Morocco has recalled its ambassador in The Hague for consultation following the actions of a notorious trafficker of Moroccan origin living in the Netherlands.

The trafficker is the subject of two international arrest warrants issued by the Moroccan courts, according to a communiqué released by Moroccan ministry of foreign affairs.

In a statement, released on Saturday, the ministry said that during the last two days, contacts had taken place between the Moroccan and Dutch authorities, at the level of Heads of Government and Foreign Ministers.

"These contacts dealt with the actions of a notorious trafficker of Moroccan origin residing in the Netherlands, who is the subject of two international arrest warrants issued by the Moroccan courts, for criminal association since 2010, and International drug trafficking since 2015,” said the statement.

The trafficker was identified as Said Chaou, former Moroccan MP.

Precise information has been communicated to the Dutch authorities for past several months on the involvement of the trafficker in financing and providing logistic support to certain areas in the north of Morocco, the ministry said.

It added that Morocco has faithfully cooperated with the EU and the Netherlands in the fight against drug trafficking, cannot tolerate the fact that a well-known trafficker is still cut-and-run from the justice system.

"It was made clear to the Dutch authorities that it is imperative that concrete and urgent measures be taken against this trafficker and mercenary of the agitation,” added the same source.

While waiting for Netherlands’ reaction, Morocco said it "reserves the right to act accordingly to the consequences and implications that will follow on the level of bilateral relations and to take the necessary political and diplomatic measures.”

Agencies