Tensions increase between Egypt, Morocco
Cordial relations between Egypt and Morocco have been hampered by a media brawl between both countries’ official TV channels, as Egypt moves closer to Algeria.
CAIRO — Egypt and Morocco have special relations on all political, cultural and media levels, and their political relations are marked by understanding and continuous coordination on international issues. However, lately, there has been an unprecedented media brawl between the two countries. Things exacerbated after official Moroccan media channels issued two reports describing the June 30, 2013, events in Egypt as a coup.
The Moroccan media reports were a reaction to similar stances from Egyptian media. It all started when Egyptian anchorwoman Amani al-Khayat lampooned Morocco on Egypt’s ONtv. Khayat said that Morocco’s economy was based on prostitution and that its people were among the most affected by AIDS, under the auspices of the Islamic rule represented by the Moroccan Justice and Development Party — an extension of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Right after the live show had been broadcast, Khayat took back her words, which stirred Moroccan public and official anger. It is noteworthy that the family of Egyptian businessman Naguib Sawiris who owns the channel has huge investments in Morocco, which were jeopardized by the incident.
Khayat apologized on TV and was promptly fired. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry also presented formal apologies to Morocco.
