Government decries information published by Le Journal weekly

The government decried information published by Le Journal Weekly, terming them as "a serious attempt against constitutional institutions and the great symbols of Morocco."

This is a "dangerous act" that "essentially aims to harm Morocco's stability and supreme interests and disturb its democratic experience, its reform and change project," Mohamed Achaari, culture and communication minister, said Thursday at the end of a government council weekly meeting.

Le Journal published in this week's issue a dossier on the circumstances of the coup attempt, led by General Oufkir in 1972. The weekly also run a letter reportedly by Fkih Basri, a leftist leader, and sent in the 1970's to the late first secretary of the USFP, Abderrahim Bouabib, and Abderrahmane Youssoufi, current USFP first secretary, showing they were involved in the coup attempt.

Achaari added that the government is determined to carry on efforts for the consecration of the freedom and democracy values in an atmosphere of responsibility.

During the council meeting, Youssoufi said he never knew or received the letter, Achaari said, adding that the letter was written in such a way to sow doubt and harm the institutions.