Moroccan writers' union get new offices

Morocco's King Mohammed VI has donated Morocco's Writers Union (UEM) new offices, meeting thus one of the needs of this cultural institution.

The sovereign also saw to it that the UEM members who are not covered by the social security system enjoy medical coverage.

The announcement was made in Rabat Thursday by advisor to the King, Abbes El Jirari, who pointed out that in a bid to give incentives to writers, the sovereign decided to give their union new headquarter premises.

In an address he delivered in the presence of the official spokesman for the Royal palace, Hassan Aourid, Charge de mission at the royal office, Mohamed El Kettani, and minister of economy, finance, privatization and tourism, Fathallah Oualalou, El Jirari said the sovereign was keen on making of the UEM "a great institution gathering thinkers, writers, artists and actors of all forms of expression" and an "institution holding an outstanding place at the national and international scales, through the forums and gatherings wherein they participate both at home and abroad."

Taking the floor, the UEM chairman, Hassan Nejmi, voiced the gratitude of Moroccan writers and creators to this high royal solicitude, saying this move has a symbolic dimension and a deep meaning for all creators.

He stated further that the Union is an institution open to all Moroccan men of letters and creators of all trends and of all generations as it remains open onto all languages and all cultures. The UEM is a crossroads for all as wished by the sovereign, in harmony with the deep changes witnessed by Morocco.