Morocco, a gateway of prosperity, democracy in mideast, Africa, former us ambassador)

The Friday terrorist attacks against Casablanca were aimed at harming "the spirit of tolerance and the values of openness and social and multi-faith coexistence" in Morocco, said Edward Gabriel, former US ambassador to Morocco.

The attacks are also meant to torpedo the democratic drive led in the country under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Gabriel told CNN.

The former diplomat, who described Morocco as "a gateway of prosperity and democracy" in the Middle East and Africa, lauded "the vigorous political and economic reforms" that helped Morocco embark on the path of progress.

Morocco enjoys a strategic location in a "volatile neighborhood," said Gabriel, who urged the US administration to extend more backing to Morocco's modernization drive.

The former ambassador stressed the close cooperation ties binding Morocco and the USA, recalling the free trade accord being negotiated between Rabat and Washington.