African tour for Moroccan 2006 world cup committee

Acting chairman of the Moroccan committee for the promotion of Morocco's bid to host the 2006 World Cup football finals, Driss Benhima, carried on his second African tour, meant to drum up support of continental institutions, with a visit to Addis Ababa this Tuesday.

Benhima handed President Negassi Cidada of Ethiopia a message from King Mohammed VI related to Morocco's bid.

The Ethiopian head of state voiced on the occasion his feelings of esteem for the Moroccan sovereign and underlined the leadership role played by Morocco at the continental and international levels and the place it holds as a bridge between Africa and Europe.

He also said that it is only fair that Africa hosts the event, voicing appreciation for the achievements of Moroccan football and athletics.

The Moroccan delegation had earlier visited Zimbabwe where it conveyed to vice-president Joseph Msika a royal message destined to President Robert Mugabe.

Vice-president Msika expressed hope that Africa adopts a resolution on the double candidacy of the continent (Morocco/South Africa) and advocated the idea of a single candidate to be chosen on the basis of objective criteria.

Zimbabwean football authorities had told the Moroccan delegation that Morocco's bid is legitimate because it was Africa's turn to host the event and also because the Kingdom was the first african country to apply for the honor.

In Cairo, the Arab standing information commission that started its 65th session on Monday expressed backing to Morocco's bid in a recommendation that was unanimously adopted by all Arab bodies dealing in the sectors of information and communication.

The commission called all Arab media to promote Morocco's candidacy.