Defaming Morocco falsely causes Italian press retraction
Morocco-Italy, Politics, 8/12/1998

Italian daily "Unita" published Tuesday a clarification note from Morocco's embassy in Rome regarding a story quoting a Moroccan illegal emigrant as saying that she would be facing death if she returned to Morocco.

The embassy's clarification draws the attention of the paper's editor-in-chief to the attitude adopted by the author who undermines Morocco and unduly harms its image.

The embassy wrote that Morocco is ruled by a constitutional monarchy government which consecrates civil rights, especially the freedom of the press, the right to set up associations and to move freely inside and outside Morocco. The clarification also underlined Morocco's resolve to move forward in its efforts to achieve economic development and consolidate the rule of law.

Touching on the issue of illegal immigration, the embassy's answer tied this phenomenon to the world economic crisis and stated that thriving illegal immigration is due to restrictions on legal immigration adopted by Europe and the closure of borders.

"Without a policy of assistance to immigrants' home countries and without a north-south partnership, immigration will continue and will have evident effects on Europe's security and economic development," the embassy said.

The clarification also recalls how the socialist-led coalition government is making major efforts to control poverty and promote economic development, insisting that such a policy needs the solidarity of the northern bank of the Mediterranean and the opening of markets for south countries' products.

Previous Stories:
  Italy denies that Morocco asked for assistance to accept return of illegal immigrants   (8/6/1998)
  Morocco and Italy sign agreement on illegal immigration   (7/29/1998)
  King Hassan II receives Italian foreign minister   (7/28/1998)

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