Leftist party leader: terrorism fighting hinges on construction of democratic and modern state

Secretary general of the Unified Socialist Left, Morocco, said the fight against terrorism hinges on gathering constitutional, political, economic and social conditions for the construction of a democratic and modern state.

Mohamed Mjahed, who was interviewed by MAP on the 2nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Casablanca (May 16, 2003) stressed that terrorism finds fertile land in the poorest social layers. He also recalled that since the 1970's, Morocco has achieved significant gains in human rights and freedom of speech promotion, noting that these gains remain fragile, given the frailty of the economic, social and political situation.

He also deplored the terrorism practices by Israel in Palestine and the USA in Iraq, embodied by the killing of civilians and Israel's refusal to start peace negotiations for a fair settlement to the Palestinian issue.

Of the terrorist operations targeting civilians in Morocco, Egypt and Spain, he said these acts should be denounced because they create an atmosphere of instability and threaten the peaceful life of citizens, before expressing full opposition to terrorism in all its forms.

He also insisted that distinction should be made between terrorism and resistance to foreign occupation, arguing that resistance is a legitimate right recognized by international conventions.

Morocco is marking on May 16 the 2nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks that rocked Casablanca killing 45 people, including the 12 bombers.