Decentralization is the basis of development, King Hassan says

King Hassan II said Wednesday here that Morocco's decision to adopt decentralization as the basis of development and to opt for regionalisation for the promotion of town planning responds to the Moroccan people's aspirations to live in a clean urban environment corresponding to its taste and culture.

In a message addressed to an Arab colloquy currently held in Morocco under the theme "Green Habitat," the sovereign stressed the importance of a judicious town planning in ensuring a balanced environment taking into account the requirements of a healthy life and modern habitat.

He also affirmed that Arab cities and urban designing should reflect Arab identity, civilisational legacy and should meet all the requirements of modern life.

After he underlined the shared responsibility of all components of civil society in preserving the characteristics of Arab cities, the sovereign recalled the situation of Jerusalem (Al-Quds) "which is prey to Israeli Judaisation schemes aiming to alter the Arab-Islamic landmarks of the city."

The sovereign underlined in this regard the importance of the creation of the "Bait Al-Mal" fund for the preservation and protection of the Islamic legacy of the Holy city from the Jewish campaigns.