Morocco and Greece conclude decentralization accord

Morocco and Greece concluded on Wednesday a cooperation accord in matters of regionalization, decentralization and public administration.

The accord was initialed by Moroccan interior minister, Driss Basri, and visiting Greek peer, Alexandros Papadopoulous.

The covenant provides for the consolidation of bilateral cooperation in the fields of liberties, human rights and economic and social development.

The agreement was concluded in accordance with the European-Mediterranean integration process, ushered in by the Barcelona Declaration, Basri said at a joint press conference with Papadopoulous.

Under the accord, Morocco and Greece pledge to enhance their cooperation, especially in the fields falling within the scope of their interior department's competencies.

Papadopoulous said the accord opens wide horizons for the promotion of relations between the two countries. He added that all actions and measures, provided for in the agreement, will be implemented expediently in order to give a new impetus to bilateral relations.

After he highlighted the divergences within the European Union (EU) regarding its enlarging, the Greek home minister stressed his government's will to continue to be a "fervent" defender of Morocco within the European Union.

Morocco, which had applied in the past to join the EU, is bound to the Union with an association accord, which provides for the establishment of a free trade area by the year 2012.