King Mohammed VI voices commitment to carry on work of late king Hassan
Morocco, Politics, 7/31/1999

King Mohammed VI voiced Friday commitment to carry on the work initiated by his father, the late King Hassan II, and grant special interest to the settlement of some social problems such as unemployment and poverty.

In his first throne speech to the nation, the Moroccan sovereign expressed the will to go ahead in the development process to upgrade the living standards of all Moroccan social layers, especially the poor people whom the sovereign says "benefit from our heartfelt affection."

The king, who voiced his strong determination to lower poverty, said the late King Hassan II had accepted a proposal to set up an institution called the "Mohammed V Solidarity Foundation" which will deal with the issues of poverty, needy people and disabled.

"We are committed to reactivate the role of this institution and grant it all our solicitude and our backing," said King Mohammed VI.

He voiced attachment to constitutional monarchy, multiparty system, economic and political liberalization, regionalization, decentralization, the consolidation of the rule of the law, the protection of human rights, individual and collective freedoms and ensuring security and stability.

The Moroccan king expressed full backing to the government of alternation designated by late King Hassan II and which is led by Abderrahmane Youssoufi. He said"We will continue to back the government of the Late King Hassan II, who made of it a government of alternation, in accordance with the democratic rules calling for change over of power."

Regarding the Sahara issue, King Mohammed VI said it will remain Morocco's top national cause and underlined commitment to perfect Morocco's territorial integrity, saying that Morocco looks forward to the holding of the confirmative referendum under the United Nations' aegis. The king recalled in this regard the obstacles erected constantly by the enemies of Morocco to block the holding of the referendum scheduled for July 2000.

The king dealt further with the importance of education in boosting the socioeconomic development process of the country and recalled in this respect the special commission set up by the late King Hassan II for the elaboration of a draft national charter setting the kingdom's policy and strategy in matters of education, training and related sectors.

King Mohammed VI said he will firmly back up this project to combat unemployment and contribute to the creation of job opportunities to diplomat holders called to show creativity and initiative spirit.

Regarding Morocco's relations with Maghreban countries, the king said he will grant a special interest to the consolidation of Maghreban unity, affirming that he will endeavor to build sound ties of friendship and cooperation with all Maghreban countries.

Referring to the presence of Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika at the funeral of late King Hassan II, King Mohammed VI voiced satisfaction over his meeting with the Algerian leader, saying the meeting prompted "optimism and raised hope for the edification of the Maghreb."

On the Middle East peace process, King Mohammed VI voiced hope that Palestinians would live in peace and neighborliness inside their peaceful and stable state so that all the Middle East region enjoy progress and prosperity.

Morocco, which belongs to the Arab and Islamic world and enjoys a strategic geographic position, will "carry on its policy of overture and dialogue," said King Mohammed VI, underlining the Kingdom's commitment to foster further its cooperation ties with African, European and American countries.

King Mohammed VI urged Moroccans "to work hand in hand" for the materialization of these goals and for meeting these expectations.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco profoundly grateful to Algeria's Bouteflika   (7/30/1999)
  Morocco will continue with its policy on Sahara issue   (7/30/1999)
  King Mohammed performs Friday prayers   (7/30/1999)

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