Moroccan Jews are citizens of the country “and have the same right to obtain passports as any other citizens,” Allal el Fassi, Minister for Islamic Affairs, declared here today. Mr. el Fassi is not only a member of the Cabinet but is also the leader of the right-wing, nationalist Istiqlal Party.
He made the statement in answer to a question at a conference held here by the Moroccan National Students Union, “I don’t see, ” he added, “why the Government should prevent Jewish citizens from leaving for abroad,” The leftist opposition party issued a statement sharply criticizing Mr. el Fassi for his assertion on the question of passports for Jews.
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