France denies visa to Moroccan writer-poet

A Moroccan writer-poet, invited by a French association to a literary event in Paris, was denied an entry visa to France by the French consular services in Rabat, says the Moroccan writers' Union (UEM).

UEM voiced astonishment at the French consulate's refusal to deliver an entry visa to Jalal Hakmaoui who was invited by "Coup de Soleil," a French association, to take part to "Maghreb des livres," a literary event held in Paris (October 19-20) and hosting Morocco as honorary guest.

UEM expressed "astonishment" and "deep regret" following the refusal of the French consular service to deliver a visa to one of its members, "although airfare and stay expenses were paid for by the Cooperation and cultural services of the French embassy in Rabat."

"Our institution was denied participation in an event of capital importance to French-Moroccan cooperation," the UEM communiqu? deplores.