Spanish political parties, NGOs decry xenophobe events
Morocco, Politics, 7/21/1999

Several Spanish political parties, pro-immigrant associations and NGOs have denounced the recent xenophobe events in Terrassa, near Barcelona, last week describing them as "extremely serious."

These parties, associations and NGOs issued a manifesto of conviviality wherein they "vehemently condemned any racist or xenophobe action" and "any attitude that is contrary to the fundamental principles of the rule of the law and equality as consecrated by the Constitution."

The xenophobe attacks erupted in the Spanish town of Terrassa near Barcelona last week following a quarrel between Moroccan and Spanish youngsters. Angry racist Spaniards afterwards attacked and looted shops held by Moroccans and other Arab residents and even damaged a mosque.

A 26-year old Moroccan was stabbed by one of the demonstrators and taken to hospital.

In the manifesto that was faxed to MAP bureau in Madrid, some fifty signatories called on Spanish authorities to take the necessary measures to avert such events and to condemn the authors of violent and discriminatory actions.

They equally voiced backing and solidarity with the victims of violence and racism and called on the whole Spanish citizens to respect the diversity of culture, language, race and religion.

They likewise renew the pledge to endeavor to build up a multicultural society where all citizens will enjoy the same rights and same opportunities regardless of race or origin.

The manifesto called on administrations and municipalities to avoid the proliferation of "ghettos," to struggle against social exclusion and communities segregation and to promote integration programs and actions at all levels.

The manifesto signatories also pledged to contribute to establishing a social and political climate promoting mutual understanding between all the communities settled in Spain.

Spanish NGOs equally announced the setting up of "a permanent platform for conviviality," a forum for dialogue and reflection, that will fight all forms of demonstrations likely to harm conviviality in Spain.

In Morocco, dailies of various trends denounced in their front pages "the plague" sweeping across Spain pointing out that the evil is too deep and xenophobia seemed to have climaxed as even mosques, Muslims' worship shrines, have been targeted by the attacks.

On Monday, Morocco expressed "worries over the unfortunate events" that targeted the Moroccan community living in Terrassa.

A spokesman of the Moroccan ministry of foreign affairs and cooperation said the government is following with keen interest and deep worry the evolution of the situation of the Moroccan community in Barcelona.

To protest the wave of anti-Arab racist acts that hit the city, more than one thousand persons representing non-governmental organizations, trade unions and political parties rallied last Friday night in the main square of Terrassa to claim the protection of aliens' rights.

At least 15 persons were arrested in connection with the incidents and will be brought to court for charges of discrimination, hatred and racist violence.

Previous Stories:
  Moroccan government very worried by racist wave in Spain   (7/20/1999)
  Spanish government, public opinion and civil society castigate anti-Moroccan racist wave   (7/19/1999)
  Moroccan warning of racism in Spain   (7/17/1999)

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