Moroccan political parties adhere to policy traced by King Mohammed VI

Moroccan political parties of all trends have voiced backing and adherence to the orientations traced by King Mohammed VI in his first Throne Speech, delivered last Friday.

The Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP), of Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi, voiced satisfaction over the speech, wherein King Mohammed VI affirmed the Moroccan people's attachment to constitutional monarchy, multi-party system, the rule of law, human rights and territorial integrity.

In a release made public on Sunday following a meeting of its political bureau on Saturday, the USFP voiced satisfaction over the backing extended by King Mohammed VI to the alternation government, headed by Youssoufi.

"We will continue to back the government of the Late King Hassan II, who made of it a government of alternation, in accordance with the democratic rules calling for change over of power," King Mohammed VI had said in the Throne Speech.

The USFP political bureau also voiced pride over the commitment expressed by King Mohammed VI to struggle against poverty and assist the needy social layers and the disabled persons.

In his speech, King Mohammed VI said "we will endeavor to reduce the acuity and impact of Poverty," recalling that the Late King Hassan II had accepted a proposal to set up an institution that he called the Mohammed V Solidarity foundation. The foundation, King Mohammed VI said, will dedicate its action to the affairs of the poor, the needy and the disabled. "We are committed to activating the role of this institution," he stressed.

The USFP political bureau, which paid tribute to the Late King Hassan II for his various noble actions, called the party's militants to continue the struggle for the safeguard of the country's democratic institutions and the consolidation of the rule of law.

The Istiqlal Party (PI), which participates in the Youssoufi alternation government, voiced full and infallible attachment to constitutional monarchy, warrant of the nation's unity and stability.

The PI's executive committee voiced total adherence to all the issues contained in the Throne Speech and expressed mobilization behind King Mohammed VI towards the edification of a strong Morocco.

The Socialist Democratic Party (PSD/in government) also lauded the king's attachment to continuing the major reforms related to education, struggle against joblessness and consolidation of the rule of law.

PSD secretary-general, Aissa Ouardighi, told the Moroccan first television channel, RTM, that his party voiced, during an extraordinary meeting on Sunday, constant mobilization behind the king to continue the development process.

Ahmed Osman, President of the National Rally of Independents (RNI-in government), said in a television statement, "This is a new era. King Mohammed VI is a young king who starts this experience in very favorable conditions."

All political parties back the new experience, for all conditions for success are gathered, he said, stressing the excellent training that the late King Hassan II inculcated to his son, King Mohammed VI.

Communication Minister Mohammed Larbi Messari hailed the throne speech, which, he said, reflects the vision of King Mohammed VI regarding the internal and external situation.

Messari, a member of the Istiqlal Party, told "Sawt Al-Arab" daily that the King enjoys all qualities to lead Morocco into the third millennium.

For Mohand Laensar, secretary-general of the Popular Movement (MP/opposition), King Mohammed VI's speech reassures the political and financial circles in Morocco and abroad.

Laensar told Radio Monte Carlo that the opposition parties are satisfied over the backing voiced by the King to the alternation experience.

"We still believe that this government, which lacks practical experience, was slow in implementing reforms," he said.

For his part, Mahmoud Archane, secretary-general of the Democratic, Social Movement (MDS/opposition), said "King Mohammed VI is a popular King. He is very close to his people, and this is a key element for the future."