Diplomats to be appointed for 4-year term, renewable once, FM

Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Mohamed Benaissa said all Moroccan diplomats, including ambassadors, will be appointed for a four-year term, renewable once.

In an interview published Tuesday by Morocco's Al Bayane daily, the head of Moroccan diplomacy announced the creation of a fund to subsidize a school for children of diplomats who return home.

He added that part of the foreign department new strategy and action plan is a school of international and diplomatic relations and further-training for diplomats.

He stated that he wants to turn the Foreign Affairs Ministry into a bi-polar department that dominates diplomacy throughout the world, with economic and political poles.

He also said he is convinced that Moroccan diplomats should be taught some patriotism, explaining "in addition to performing their profesional duties, diplomats should show some patriotism."