France reiterates support to Morocco's claim of 'advanced status' with Europe, premier

French Prime Minister jean-Pierre Raffarin reiterated Thursday his government's commitment to "accompany" Morocco in its ambition to get an "advanced" status in its relations with the European Union (EU).

France will carry on contacts with its European partners to materialize "the soonest possible" the idea put forward by the European Commission's president, Romano Prodi, to grant Morocco such a status, the French premier said at a ceremony of awards to the best European investors.