Morocco cites 'disrespect of rules' for Iran absence

RABAT

Morocco's parliament speaker has cited Iran's "disrespect" of rules for its absence of a recent meeting of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Habib al-Malki said Tehran did not respect the rules of participation in last week's meeting.

"It is difficult to accept a delegation of 30 or 40 people," al-Malki said, in reference to the size of the Iranian delegation.

Last week, Moroccan government spokesman Mustapha al-Khouji refused to comment on a question regarding the reason behind Iran's absence from the meeting.

Local media reported that the Moroccan authorities had denied entry to the Iranian delegation to take part in the conference.

Made up of 54 countries, the Tehran-based Parliamentary Union of Organization of Islamic Cooperation Member States was established in 1999.

Writing by Ali H. M.Abo Rezeg