Mayor of paris hails Moroccan dialogue and tolerance tradition
Morocco-France, Culture, 10/24/2001

The mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoe, hailed Moroccan traditional culture of dialogue and tolerance which is, he said, an example for the rest of the world in these times of uncertainty and crisis.

Delanoe who arrived on Tuesday afternoon in Casablanca to chair the 21st general assembly of the international association of mayors and officials of entirely or partially French-speaking capitals and metropolises told MAP Morocco is seen throughout the world as a modern and open country, a country that is leading the way for the rest of the world. The kingdom has remained faithful to its traditional tolerance, openness and dialogue, he went on.

The mayor of Paris (French socialist party) also expressed readiness to support efforts by local authorities of Casablanca to settle solid waste treatment, transport and pollution.

He criticized attempts to associate Islam with terrorism following last September's attacks against the USA and said the association would be ready to welcome a Palestinian city as a member.

Asked on the issue of granting non-European residents the right to vote, he answered that he supports the participation of non-European residents, who pay taxes and are users of the city services, in the voting and announced the setting up of a council of non-European residents to associate aliens in the management of Paris.

Casablanca is hosting on October 24-25 the general assembly of the international association of mayors and officials of entirely or partially French-speaking capitals and metropolises.

The meeting titled "cities and linguistic and cultural diversity" will debate cultural diversity in relation with economic development and cultural diversity and governance.

Set up in 1979, the association gathers over 100 capitals and large cities from 44 countries.

The association had already held three of its general assemblies in Casablanca, in 1982, in 1986 and in 1994.

Previous Stories:
  Sponsorship campaign for Moroccan poor children launched in Paris   (6/24/2000)
  Moroccan youth council, French economic and social council hold annual meeting in Paris   (6/7/2000)
  Paris mayor backs Moroccan cultural center rehabilitation   (3/22/2000)

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

Search