Tough negotiations with Europe and WTO await Morocco, King Hassan II says

"Tough" negotiations with the European Union and the World Trade Organization (WTO) are awaiting Morocco, King Hassan II said.

Morocco is poised to face up crucial dates for its future, including "tough" negotiations, in the context of the association accord binding the kingdom to the European Union and in the multilateral context of the WTO, the King said in a speech to the nation he gave Wednesday on the occasion of the Throne Day.

Morocco is bound to the European Union by an association accord that provides, inter alia, for the setting up of a free trade area by 2010.

"Morocco should be well-prepared, because it will have to face alone a plural partner." The Kingdom should rely on its own perseverance, courage and vigilance to avoid being caught by surprise, the sovereign said.

The Throne Day celebrated on Wednesday marks this year the 38th anniversary of the sovereign's enthronement.