Koutla parties braced for further democratic action

Unitarian action by the democratic "Koutla" (bloc) is the cornerstone of democracy and human rights consolidation under constitutional monarchy, leaders of the koutla parties say.

Meeting Saturday in Fez in celebration of the 56th anniversary of the Independence Manifesto, leaders of the Istiqlal, Organization for Democratic and Popular Action (OADP), Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) and Party for Progress and Socialism (PPS) said objectives in the manifesto have not yet been completed and called for further unity in action to strengthen democracy and liberate territories still under foreign rule like the Sebta and Mellilia presidios.

The parties also called for further mobilization around king Mohammed VI in upholding Moroccan rights in the Sahara, saying the UN referendum could only confirm the territory as irreversibly Moroccan.

The USFP, the Istiqlal party, and the PPS are participating in the socialist-led center-left coalition government. The OADP is backing this government.