King Mohammed renews will to build efficient democracy
Morocco, Politics, 8/21/2003

Morocco's King Mohammed VI on Wednesday renewed will to build "an efficient democratic state" to shield the country against all kinds of religious anathema and political exclusion.

"The aim is basically to build an efficient democratic State with an inherent ability to protect itself from all kinds of religious anathema or political exclusion, and to develop a wealth-creating, job-generating market economy," said the king in a speech aired on the Moroccan TV and Radio stations on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People.

The anniversary marks the revolution sparked by a decision of the French occupiers to exile the Late King Mohammed V, Grand Father of King Mohammed VI, and the Royal Family. The move marked a decisive turning point on the struggle of the Moroccan people, under the leadership of the Late king, for Independence, a noble and cherished goal attained in 1956 after 44 years of French occupation.

In his speech, King Mohammed VI also expressed determination "to shape a society based on mutual support and to stimulate the process of cultural revival, while taking into account the requirements of modern times and the need to respect Moroccan identity."

"Our duty is also to enhance the productive, free enterprise spirit and, at the same time, to confront, firmly and conscientiously, those who use discord, duplicity and ostracism to deprive the nation of its future and thwart its advancement," said the king.

He stressed the importance for Morocco to continue its advance towards democracy to improve the country's image abroad.

"Thanks to the progress achieved by our country in terms of democracy, we have managed to complete the process designed to improve the image of Morocco abroad," he said, adding "today we must seek, with the same determination, to improve the way Morocco perceives itself."

In this connection, the king underlined the need "to instill in the people a sense of citizenship and make sure that they are proud of their nation's achievements, prepared to help remedy the flaws and shortcomings they may encounter, through concrete projects and reforms, instead of obstinately spreading skepticism and nihilism."

"If the heroes of Resistance are not to be remembered by young people merely as names assigned to streets in town centres, then all Moroccans must remain faithful to the spirit of the August 20 Revolution and dedicated to the values of patriotism, " he said, adding "they must teach their children how to love their country, since our religion enshrines such love as an act of faith."

"However, we will attain this objective only if we translate nationalism into a sense of citizenship and if we ensure that the quest for nationhood transcends the mere love for one's country, and develops into a genuine commitment to help build Morocco and make it a source of pride to all Moroccans," he said.

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