Moroccan PM says debt is strangling government action
Morocco, Politics, 9/21/1998

Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi said Morocco's debts is a serious problem that strangles the government's action and called for a "political" rather than "technical" handling of the issue.

In a statement he made prior to a press conference before a group of French and Moroccan journalists, the prime minister who is heading a socialist-led coalition government appointed last March, said the success of this new experience depends not only on the government's dynamism but also on the support it will obtain, mainly regarding the debt issue. He added that he will try during his next October's visit to France to make his interlocutors aware of the seriousness of the problem that strangles the government's action.

The head of the Moroccan government who surveyed stages that led to this new experience in Morocco, marked by the appointment of former opposition parties to lead the government, said the success of this experience will benefit both Morocco and all its partners and investors as it seeks to usher in a new atmosphere, consolidate the rule of law and promote democracy.

He added that this experience, which was welcomed with hope and interest in the national public opinion and by an effective and positive support of several African and European political forces, was made possible thanks to the Moroccan king's resolve.

He explained that what distinguishes the present government is the fact that it is the first alternation government in Morocco's history and it is the first time that a government is led by a former opposition leader in the Arab and Islamic world.

Touching on the Sahara issue, the prime minister recalled that "for Morocco, decolonization of the region was accomplished in the respect of international legality," adding that the projected self-determination referendum should be held with the participation of all eligible voters in order to end any challenge to the Moroccan identity of the territory.

Youssoufi further renewed Morocco's stand on Sebta and Melilia, two Moroccan northern towns still under Spanish rule, explaining that he reiterated to Spanish prime minister Morocco's resolve to settle the issue through a negotiated solution that will take into account the interests of both countries.

Regarding relations between Morocco and Algeria, the prime minister said the Moroccan government is insistingly calling Algerian authorities to settle the problems of closed land borders and to normalize relations. He added that the closure of land borders (decided in 1994 by Algeria) was a catastrophe for populations of eastern Morocco and western Algeria.

Previous Stories:
  USA urges the two parties to constructively work with Baker   (9/19/1998)
  Crown prince calls for rule of law, transparency and sound management   (9/19/1998)
  Normalization of Moroccan - Algerian ties a strategic option for Morocco   (9/18/1998)

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