Activities of Rabat capital of Arab culture for 2003 launched tonight

Rabat will officially launch activities featured as part of the Capital of Arab Culture for 2003 in a ceremony to be in Rabat held next Saturday, under the theme: "Morocco, land of encounters."

Morocco's culture minister, Mohamed Achaari, said recently that events scheduled as part of "Rabat, 2003 Arab culture capital" are an opportunity to showcase the Moroccan cultural diversity and richness.

The year-long activities slated for this event will underscore Morocco's strategic position as a link and crossroads of civilizations between the Arab states, Europe and Africa and portray a positive image of Morocco.

Several colloquia, exhibitions and movies are scheduled during the event, while the Moroccan capital's traditional annual festivals will be maintained. Cultural weeks will be devoted to several Arab states to bring out their artistic, literary and musical richness.

Drama, poetry and civilizations are other highlights of happenings scheduled in the capital's theaters and other sites.