My role is to cater to Moroccans affairs, King Mohammed
Morocco, Politics, 7/24/2001

Morocco's King Mohammed VI said in an interview published this Tuesday by London based daily "Asharq Al Awsat" his role as king of Morocco is to be watchful to Moroccans' expectations and cater to their affairs.

The interview, conducted by the daily editor-in-chief Abderrahmane Rached, is the first given by the King to an Arab media and the second since he took office in July 1999.

"Some people ask: What is the role of the king in Morocco? The role that the Moroccan people expect from me is to cater to their affairs and this was the role taken on by my late father," said King Mohammed VI. He went on that his late grandfather, King Mohammed V liberated the country, his late father established democracy and institutions, explaining "My role is to uphold and protect the trust left by my father, including of course respecting the constitution, which guarantees political pluralism."

"Morocco is not only closely associated with monarchy, but also with the personality of the king. The death of my father was a great shock to the Moroccans, whether politicians or non-politicians."

Asked on relations between the king and the government, he answered "We are one and coherent government with Abderrahmane Youssoufi (the prime minister) whom I love and respect very much" there cannot be one government inside the palace and another outside the palace.

Regarding the press freedom, King Mohammed VI said "I know that Moroccans are not happy with the media that attacks Morocco and myself." After he announced that soon a new press law will be issued and the Higher Council for Communication will regulate this relationship, he voiced appreciation for the work of the Moroccan journalists and the Moroccan press in helping effect change and helping the government. However, he went on, some are influenced by the West and want to copy the European media which is seeking to harm others.

He further confirmed that elections will be held on schedule, adding I would like to see (them) held at the earliest possible date so that the politicians would be able to serve the country and not just their parties.

Regarding his priorities, the king said "for me the priorities of today are economic and social. In the second (social) area I consider matters for civil society; fighting poverty, education and water problems as priorities. Also, we give priority to Moroccan expatriates returning (on vacation), he insisted.

Of relations with the European Union more particularly in the fishing sector, he made it clear it was not Morocco, but Europe, that closed the door of negotiation, adding "whenever Europe wants to return to negotiations, they are welcome." He also insisted Europe has to honor its promises, citing as an example an unfulfilled financial assistance promised by Europe in 1996 when it concluded with Morocco an agreement on guarding the coasts to fight smuggling and illegal immigration.

Asked on relations between Morocco and Algeria, the king said it is the Sahara issue that has been vitiating the atmosphere between the two countries for more than 25 years. "Relations with Algeria are not bad but could become better. For sure, the problem of the Sahara hampers relations between the two countries," he further explained.

For the king who called the international resolution (on the Sahara) a victory for (my) late father and for all Moroccans, the Sahara issue "is a question of destiny for Morocco and for the entire region."

He also underscored Morocco's relations with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries "are family relations before being political or diplomatic. They are solid family relations based on love and respect."

Turning to the Middle east peace process and Morocco's potential contribution, the Moroccan king voiced readiness to contribute to resolving the issue, before recalling Morocco's historic role as a country that hosted the Arab summit that recognized the Palestine Liberation Organization as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco launches itinerant consular services in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo   (7/23/2001)
  Mauritanian senate speaker winds up visit to Morocco   (7/23/2001)
  Opposition parties urge government to present new electoral law   (7/23/2001)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search