US president announces creation of fund in memory of late king Hassan II
Morocco-USA, Politics, 6/21/2000

US President Bill Clinton announced on Tuesday, during a dinner banquet hosted in honor of King Mohammed VI, the creation of a fund in memory of the late king Hassan II to help Moroccan students wishing to carry on their studies in the USA, MAP reported.

"I am pleased to tell you tonight that we are establishing, in honor of your father, the King Hassan II Memorial Scholarship Program to enable students from Morocco to study here in America, and to study subjects close to the King's heart: international affairs and conflict resolution," the US chief executive said, in an exchange of toasts with King Mohammed VI.

After he lauded the late sovereign's brave and pioneering role in opening dialogue with Israel and paving the way for the (Israeli-Egyptian) Camp David Accords, Clinton called Morocco "a bridge across cultures" that boasts a proud tradition of independence, known the world over for its generosity and hospitality.

He also recalled that the two countries are bound by the oldest friendship treaty, "urged on Congress by Benjamin Franklin, drafted by Thomas Jefferson, signed by John Adams and affirmed by George Washington in a letter to the Sultan (Sidi Mohammed)."

Clinton also expressed America's eagerness to continue and deepen two-century-old friendship. "We are eager to work with you toward a world of greater hope and understanding across cultures and continents."

The US president further underscored Moroccans' "immense devotion" to the king who "emphasized the need to improve schools for children and create jobs for their parents. You have moved to heal old wounds, promote political freedoms, protect human rights, and reach out to your people. You have shown the courage and vision to elevate Morocco as a model of openness, prosperity and inclusion."

King Mohammed VI, who was on his first state visit to the USA since he came to power one year ago, called for a "quality strategic partnership" between the two countries. The King also voiced satisfaction over the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and expressed "fervent desire" to see the Syrian track resumed and called for a "fair implementation of commitments made regarding the national and territorial rights of the Palestinian people, which make up the Gordian knot of the Arab-Israeli conflict."

The King also ranged over other issues relating to Africa, lauding ongoing American initiatives aimed at the recovery and the development of the continent.

The sovereign, who was accompanied by his sister Princess Lalla Meryem, and the presidential couple were greeted by some 700 guests, including former Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal, Rachel and Sharon Robinson, the widow and daughter of baseball great Jackie Robinson; Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder; actor Ted Danson; former United Press International reporter Helen Thomas; singer and dancer Paula Abdul; actresses Carol Alt and Teri Garr; Alma Brown, the widow of former Commerce Secretary Ron Brown and William Kennedy Smith, nephew of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco renews backing to Eizenstat initiative   (6/20/2000)
  Economic cooperation tops king's visit to US   (6/20/2000)
  King Mohammed arrives in USA   (6/20/2000)

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