No political reform without information sector reform, King says
Morocco, Politics, 7/31/2004

King Mohammed VI of Morocco on Friday stressed that, in order to carry out political reforms, the Government should step up efforts in reforming the information sector, in a State of the Nation address on the occasion of the Throne Day, marking the fifth anniversary of his enthronement.

"Political reform will not be complete without a comprehensive reform of the information sector, in view of the intrinsic link between the two spheres in achieving the democratization of the state and society," he said before calling for the enactment of a law on public opinion polls.

"I also expect government authorities to help with the emergence of free, responsible professional information institutions. Consultations should be held - and contracts signed - with the various parties concerned, so that the press may have a professional association which represents it and acts as a regulator, ensuring compliance with ethics, to protect the information sector against any practices which might undermine its noble mission."

The Moroccan parliament recently passed the draft law on the reform of the audiovisual sector that will pave the way for its liberalization.

The draft law, which has been subject to a long and heated debate, is also meant to consolidate Morocco's Human Rights and preserve democratic assets, according to the Government.

It also guarantees favorable conditions for investors.

However, new operators will need an authorization from the recently set up High Authority of Audiovisual Communication (HACA).

The law also aims at reforming the public audiovisual sector by turning the Moroccan Radio and Television into "the national company of Radio-Television" and maintaining the TV channel "2M" as a public service.

Under the law project, no party will be allowed to hold over 51 percent in the capital of an audiovisual company.

Previous Stories:
  Three Moroccan political parties set up 'constructive opposition'   (7/30/2004)
  Spanish FM in Morocco to discuss Sahara issue   (7/30/2004)
  Morocco to celebrate 5th anniversary of Throne Day   (7/30/2004)

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