King Hassan calls for continuous anti-poverty struggle

King Hassan II called on Monday for a sustained struggle against poverty and for continuing the anti-poverty campaign, currently staged throughout Morocco.

The sovereign, who was wearing a solidarity badge sold in all Moroccan pharmacies and banks to raise funds for the poor, said solidarity has always been one of the major traits of the Moroccan society.

"You seldom see me wearing an insignia or a decoration, but today I am happy and proud to wear this badge to show solidarity with all the needy population of our country," King Hassan II said in an opening address before the 7th national colloquy of local councils.

"Solidarity is part of our values and an ingredient of our education and heritage," he said.

Morocco is currently staging a week of national solidarity and struggle against poverty. The week is patronaged by Crown Prince Sidi Mohammed.

King Hassan II called for continuing the anti-poverty campaign saying "let's persevere on this path, knowing that we will contribute to the eradication of poverty or at least to alleviating the sufferings of the needy people."

The king stressed the key role that local councils can play in eradicating poverty. "There is no better means to fight poverty than the regionalization and the decentralization of welfare associations."