Morocco determined to uphold citizens' security by consolidating democracy, premier says
Morocco, Politics, 5/22/2003

Morocco's Premier, Driss Jettou, on Wednesday vowed the government's determination to uphold the citizens' security, perfect the democratization process and implement its program aimed at achieving economic development and social justice

Jettou, who made the point during the government's council, stressed the need "to change our reading, perception and conduct with regard to democracy and freedom related practices, without, however, shrinking back," said communication and government spokesman, Nabil Benabdellah in a press conference.

The Moroccan Prime Minister further highlighted the necessity for the government, political parties, trade unions, associations and media to reassess their respective missions and responsibilities, added Benabdellah.

Jettou further reiterated that the Casablanca terrorist bombings was actually directed at Morocco's peace and stability, and sought to undermine the kingdom's commitment in favor of freedom, tolerance, openness and modernity values.

The attacks also aimed to tarnish the Kingdom's international stature, democratization process, civil liberties and the fight against illiteracy and under-development.

"The rationale behind these barbarous acts is to drag the kingdom in a spiral of violence nurtured by cultural, religious conflicts that are alien to our history, our age-old civilization and daily way of life," he went on.

He stressed that in the face of these events, Morocco ought to think about "the profound causes that lured Moroccan youths into alien ideas that made them become time bombs manipulated by the forces of evil."

The government's council heard presentations by the Interior and Justice ministers on the security situation in Morocco and the circumstances in which the terrorist plot was executed, as well as the investigations' progress.

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