Minister Ryad Mezzour Clarifies Misunderstanding
In a recent turn of events, Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour, has publicly apologized to the Moroccan diaspora following a wave of controversy sparked by his earlier comments. These statements, which gained traction across various social media platforms, were claimed to be taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings regarding their intended audience. During an appearance on the show "Finjane Ramadan," aired on the platforms of the Moroccan newspaper "The Voice of Morocco," Mezzour clarified that his remarks were not directed towards the Moroccan community living abroad.
In his explanation, the Minister expressed regret if his words were interpreted as being aimed at Moroccan expatriates. He emphasized that his comments were specifically directed at two individuals present in the audience, whom he felt displayed an air of superiority towards Morocco during a discussion that followed their questions at a meeting with the Alumni Association of Central Schools and Higher Education in Morocco. The Minister stated that his intention was to address what he perceived as a dismissive attitude towards the country through a light-hearted retort, underscoring that "Morocco is greater than all of us."
Mezzour further pointed out that a video clip circulating online had selectively edited his remarks, causing the impression that he was addressing all Moroccans living abroad. He firmly dismissed this interpretation as "unreasonable," asserting that it did not accurately reflect the true content of his speech. Throughout his comments, the Minister highlighted his deep respect for the Moroccan diaspora, acknowledging the unique challenges and sacrifices they face in maintaining their national identity and instilling Moroccan culture in their children, especially given his own lengthy experience living outside Morocco.
Moreover, he admitted that certain phrases used during the discussion may not have been appropriate, and he extended his apologies for those as well. Nevertheless, he reiterated that his goal was not to offend the Moroccan community but rather to respond to individual positions expressed during the dialogue.
As reported by thevoice.ma.
