Chirac: best weapons against fanaticism are education, jobs and hope
Morocco-France, Politics, 10/10/2003

Visiting French president, Jacques Chirac hailed Morocco's "bold and exemplary political transition" under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, at a dinner banquet hosted in his honor, Thursday evening in Fez, by the Moroccan monarch.

"Since 1999, under your leadership, Morocco has embarked on a bold and exemplary political transition. You have guided it with determination. This evening I want to greet the vision which guides you: that of Morocco resolutely committed on the path of economic development, social justice and democracy," said the French president who highlighted the "intangible and indestructible friendship between Morocco and France."

Touching on terrorism, the French president who described the 9/11 terrorists attacks in the US as "an appalling tragedy," recalled that Morocco also suffered from terrorism in reference to the May 16 suicide attacks in Casablanca that killed 45 people, including the 12 terrorists.

"Everywhere in the world, a merciless fight against terrorism is being waged. Morocco participates in it fully. But as you have understood a long time ago Sir, fighting terrorism is also restoring their dignity to men and women plunged in misery," said the French president who considers that "the best weapons against fanaticism are education, jobs and hope."

On the Middle east, "undermined by despair and hatred," Chirac said "only a resolved political will from both sides to implement the law as was set forth by the United Nations, will pave the way for a just and lasting solution based on the end of occupation started in 1967 and the co-existence of two states in peace and security."

"France, added Chirac, calls for an end to terrorism and violence and for the respect of states' sovereignty"

He urged the international community to give the Road Map a chance and to monitor its implementation. In this regard, Chirac argued that convening an international conference the soonest has become a must to resume the peace dynamic in the region, before highlighting the "constructive influence" exerted by Morocco, owing to the "prestige and stature" of King Mohammed VI who chairs the Al Qods Committee.

On the situation in Iraq, the French president said "defining a clear political perspective has become necessary and urgent." "If stabilization and reconstruction is to be successulf, an objective shared by the whole international community, this political perspective should necessarily take into account that Iraqis want and should be masters of their destiny"

"It is the United Nations Organization's duty to give the process a credibility and to accompany the gradual transfer of sovereignty and of administrative and economic prerogatives to the Iraqi institutions according to a realistic timetable, as well as help in drafting a constitution for the Iraqis and holding elections," the French president insisted.

Jacques Chirac who called for the unity of the Maghreb countries (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Mauritania), said that France has proposed the implementation of "reinforced partnership" between this north African region and the European Union in line with the "Barcelona Process."

The French president also vowed to act as Morocco's "most fervent advocate" within the European Union to boost cooperation between the Kingdom and the EU in the framework of an "advanced status for your country" which, he added, must be the "privileged partner" of Europe.

Previous Stories:
  French president: Morocco's choices will lead to economic development, social progress   (10/9/2003)
  France supports Sahara issue solution that takes into account Morocco's interests   (10/9/2003)
  French president visits Morocco to display support and encouragement to the kingdom   (10/9/2003)

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