The Nordic MEPs condemn Rud Pedersen for lobbying on behalf of Morocco, emphasizing the moral and political implications of supporting an occupying power in Western Sahara. They declare that as long as RP continues its actions, they will refuse to engage with the firm on all levels and encourage similar actions among their colleagues in the European Parliament.
This article highlights the condemnation of the Danish lobbying firm Rud Pedersen (RP) for its involvement with Morocco in lobbying regarding trade and fisheries agreements with the European Union (EU). It argues that working on behalf of an occupying power not only raises ethical concerns but also has broader political implications that undermine global stability. The authors, Nordic Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), express their disappointment upon discovering that RP is assisting Morocco, particularly regarding resources extracted from Western Sahara, which is not recognized as legally occupied by the EU or the UN.
Concerns were raised following reports from the media outlet, Africa Intelligence, which detailed the engagement between Morocco’s Confédération Générale de Enterprises du Maroc (CGEM) and RP. The authors emphasize that this collaboration raises serious moral questions, highlighting that RP’s activities, including hiring the daughter of Morocco’s foreign minister, are intertwined with the goals of the Moroccan government. This lobbying effort aims to facilitate access to markets for resources extracted from Western Sahara, which contradicts previously established EU legal decisions.
The authors reiterate that goods acquired from illegally occupied territories should not be legitimized through trade agreements with the EU, stressing the illegal nature of Morocco’s activities in Western Sahara as recognized by international law. They reference the European Court of Justice’s historic ruling that overturned trade agreements with Morocco related to these resources.
As Left politicians, the MEPs assert their commitment to opposing exploitation and the repercussions of representing an occupying power. They clarify their stance to RP, declaring that continued lobbying efforts for Morocco will result in a refusal to engage with the firm on any matters. Moreover, they plan to encourage their colleagues within the European Parliament to adopt similar positions against entities that support occupation.
The article concludes with a clear warning to Rud Pedersen: until the firm disconnects from lobbying that supports the occupation of Western Sahara, they will remain estranged from the political dialogue within the European Parliament. The MEPs call for a reassessment of RP’s associations and adherence to moral standards, asserting that occupation and its advocates will be actively marginalized.
In conclusion, the Nordic MEPs have unequivocally expressed their opposition to the involvement of Rud Pedersen with Morocco’s lobbying efforts. They underscore the moral and political ramifications of supporting an occupying power and stress the importance of adhering to international law. Moving forward, they aim to maintain a firm stance against entities advocating for exploitative practices, reinforcing their commitment to justice and ethical governance.
Original Source: euobserver.com
