German-Arab dialogue session held in Rabat
Regional-Germany, Politics, 6/10/1999

The third session of the Arab-German dialogue on media held in Rabat Tuesday and Wednesday adopted several recommendations, stressing the need to carry on dialogue between European and Mediterranean countries.

Journalists from 13 Arab countries, Germany and Switzerland underlined that rapprochement between the Arab world and Europe cannot be promoted without the overture of societies onto themselves and onto the external world.

Mutually beneficial relations between the two sides require freedom of thought and speech which in turn exacts the establishment of democracy, participants underlined.

The session, which noted the obstacles that are still hampering the freedom of thought and speech, condemned religious extremism.

Participants also called for a greater overture of German and European societies and media toward Arab culture to avoid stereotypes.

At a meeting with participants in the session, Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi renewed Morocco's attachment to democracy, peaceful coexistence between people, tolerance, freedom and justice.

Morocco, he said, has made a commitment to struggle for the consolidation of the rule of law and human rights and is concerned to see the Moroccan people enjoy not only their civic and political rights but also their economic, social and cultural rights.

The exercise of these rights depends not only on the country's richness and a sound management of its affairs but also on international cooperation, Youssoufi said.

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