Arabic News Weekly Edition for Morocco, 1/24/2000

Weekly Edition, Morocco - Week of January 24, 2000

• Moroccan-Tunisian consular, social, legal commission meets in Rabat Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 1/29/2000
• European reporters group meets home officials Morocco-France, Politics, 1/29/2000
• Chilean president invites king Mohammed to visit Chile Morocco-Chile, Politics, 1/29/2000
• Moroccan-French meeting on eastern Morocco development
  A Moroccan-French meeting was held in Oujda on Friday to probe means of giving a new momentum to the economic, social and cultural development of the eastern regions of the kingdom. Morocco-France, Economics, 1/29/2000
• US deputy secretary of commerce carries on visit to Morocco
  US Deputy secretary of commerce Robert Mallett and public health minister visited Friday the Pfizer Laboratories in Casablanca which donated in Oct. 1999 Morocco 600.000 doses of the Zithromax antibiotic to fight the blinding disease trachoma. Morocco-USA, Health, 1/29/2000
• Arab culture committee convenes in Rabat Regional-Morocco, Culture, 1/29/2000
• Azziman tells French parliament about human rights in Morocco Morocco, Judicial, 1/29/2000
• European parliament president in Morocco Feb. 7-9
  The president of the European Parliament Mrs Nicole Fontaine is expected in Rabat Feb. 7-9 on an official visit to the kingdom at the invitation of the speaker of the house of representatives, Abdelouahed Radi. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 1/29/2000
• Istiqlal party leader meets heads of Italian parties in rome
  Secretary general of the Istiqlal Party, Abbas El Fassi, held talks in Rome since he started his visit to Italy on Wednesday with leaders of major Italian political parties, representatives, senators and unionists. Morocco-Italy, Politics, 1/29/2000
• Projected Caracas museum to devote large place to Morocco
  Moroccan-born Jews settled in Venezuela are projecting to set up a museum in Caracas where a large place will be devoted to Morocco. Morocco, Culture, 1/29/2000
• Moroccan carrier, major share holder in Senegalese new carrier
  Senegal and the Moroccan carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM) signed in Dakar on Friday evening an accord setting up a new Senegalese carrier dubbed "Air Senegal international" with a capital of about $ 10.5 million (105 million DH). Morocco-Senegal, Business, 1/29/2000
• Moroccan railways ONCF totaled $ 100 million investments in 1999
  Most of the investment helped finance the completion of the two-way railway between Kenitra and Sidi Kacem, purchase of electric locomotives, rehabilitation of infrastructure and running equipment of ONCF. Morocco, Business, 1/29/2000
• Citrus fruit exports at 205.000 tons in January Morocco, Economics, 1/29/2000
• Morocco's foreign assets reached $ 5.96 billion at end of november 1999 Morocco, Economics, 1/29/2000
• Renault to introduce new model in a Marrakech event
  The city of Marrakech already has the expertise and facilities to hold such events. In January 1998, General Motors organized a gigantic event with 16,000 participants. According to sources in Morocco, the GM event cost some $20 million to organize. Morocco, Business, 1/29/2000
• Morocco elected vice-president of a UNESCO institution
  Morocco has been elected earlier this week vice-president of the international education bureau, a Geneva-based UNESCO institution, in the person of university rector Aziz Hasbi. Morocco-Regional, Education, 1/29/2000
• $10.5 million loan to protect ecosystems in Morocco
  The World Bank said Friday it has extended Morocco a $ 10.5 million loan to fund the protection of ecosystems in the kingdom. Morocco-USA, Environment, 1/29/2000
• Speaker of Bulgarian parliament in Morocco Next Week Morocco-Bulgaria, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Casablanca bourse announces commission-free listing
  The Casablanca stock market announced that all listings will be free of commission fees for enterprises during 2000 and 2001. Morocco, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Group of Moroccan-born Jews settled in Venezuela visit Rabat
  A delegation of Moroccan-born jews settled in Venezuela is currently visiting Morocco for talks on cooperation prospects between the two countries. Morocco-Venezuela, Politics, 1/28/2000
• EU import certificate on Moroccan tomatoes abrogated
  The European Commission abrogated the decision requiring import certificates for Moroccan tomatoes, official EU sources told MAP. Morocco-European Union, Economics, 1/28/2000
• US deputy secretary of commerce visits Morocco
  Visiting US Deputy Secretary of Commerce Robert Mallett met in Rabat Thursday with Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi to discuss bilateral cooperation and ways to upgrade the Moroccan economy. Morocco-USA, Economics, 1/28/2000
• Moroccan daily calls Algeria to be neutral in Sahara issue
  The daily of the Istiqlal Party-- which is participating in the center-left coalition government led by socialist Abderrahmane Youssoufi-- called Algeria to adopt a total and genuine neutrality in the Sahara issue and to evidence such a neutrality by denying asylum on its territory to the separatists. Morocco, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Moroccan-Italian trade reaches $679 million in first nine months of 1999
  Trade exchanges between Morocco and Italy totalled $679 million (6.79 billion DH) in the January-September period last year. Morocco-Italy, Economics, 1/28/2000
• Cote d'Ivoire hails action by King Mohammed
  Cote d'Ivoire hailed action by King Mohammed VI to make Morocco prosper and carry on the work of his father, the late King Hassan II, foreign relations minister Christophe M'boua said. Morocco-Cote D'Ivoire, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Drinking water authority to invest $190 million in 2000
  The Moroccan drinking water authority (ONEP) is planning to invest some $190 million in the course of the year 2000. Morocco, Economics, 1/28/2000
• Prince Moulay Rachid's message to visiting media group
  Prince Moulay Rachid, president of the promotion committee of the Moroccan bid to host the 2006 World Cup addressed a message to the visiting delegation of European medias at the initiative of the "French-Moroccan Friendship Circle." Morocco-France, Sports, 1/28/2000
• Business in northern Morocco probed in conference in Canada
  Business opportunities in Morocco's northern region were probed in a conference held on Thursday in the Canadian city of Hull, near Ottawa, by Moroccan and Canadian officials and entrepreneurs. Morocco-Canada, Economics, 1/28/2000
• Moroccan exports rise by 5.1% in Jan-Nov 99
  Moroccan exports were in the period between January and November 1999 worth $6.94 billion, posting a 5.1% rise in comparison with the corresponding period of 1998 ($6.16 billion), says the exchange office. Morocco, Economics, 1/28/2000
• Morocco's oil bill reached $ 790 million in 1999
  Oil purchases cost Morocco between January and November 1999 a total of $790 million (7.9 billion DH), against $510 million the year before, says the exchange office. Morocco, Economics, 1/28/2000
• Morocco elected head of APU legal committee
  The first deputy-speaker of the house of representatives, Abdelaziz Alaoui Hafidi, was unanimously elected Wednesday chairman of the legal committee of the Arab Parliamentary Union (APU) at the union seat in Damascus. Morocco-Morocco, Judicial, 1/27/2000
• National debate on territory development launched
  A six-month long national debate on territory planning and development meant to define a new policy in the matter was launched Wednesday. King Mohammed VI urged the participants in the debate to adopt a new approach based "on citizens' participation and shared responsibility" and where the state will continue to play its role in matters of organization, supervision and regulation. Morocco, Economics, 1/27/2000
• Royal message on India's national day
  King Mohammed VI sent President Kocheril Raman Narayanan a message of congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of India's National Day. Morocco-India, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Investment in northern Morocco probed in Montreal
  Over fifty entrepreneurs from Canada and Quebec met in Montreal Tuesday with a Moroccan delegation to consider investment opportunities in the kingdom, mainly in northern provinces. Morocco-Canada, Economics, 1/27/2000
• Montreal hosts conference on Jews presence in Morocco
  As an example for the continuation of the same attitude, the ambassador quoted late King Hassan II who reassured in 1989 the Jewish community in Spain that the Jews' rights as full-fledged Moroccan citizens will continue to be guaranteed by the Moroccan constitution. The Moroccan constitution which recognizes Islam as the state religion, guarantees the freedom of religion, the diplomat said. Morocco, Culture, 1/27/2000
• US trade and agriculture delegation in Morocco
  The "USDA Africa Trade Team" of the US Department of Agriculture arrived in Rabat Thursday on a three day working visit to Morocco. Morocco-USA, Economics, 1/27/2000
• 120 trucks and produce cargo directly shipped to Marseille
  The first direct shipment of Moroccan fruit and vegetables towards France was made Wednesday when 120 trucks carrying produce sailed from the port of Casablanca towards Europe via Marseille (French port city). Morocco-France, Economics, 1/27/2000
• Moroccan enterprises call for addressing social and labor problems
  The CGEM chairman, Abderrahim Lahjouji, deplored the unprecedented deterioration of social relations that devastates employment and investments and said all social partners (government, employers and trade unions) should be aware of the economic and social stakes and the growing sustainable economic and social development requirements. Morocco, Economics, 1/27/2000
• Spanish official supports compensating Moroccan exporters
  Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Alimentation Jesus Posada said Wednesday he was in favor of compensation for acts of vandalism against Moroccan goods in the harbors of Algesiras and Cadiz. Morocco-Spain, Economics, 1/27/2000
• Morocco and Libya sign fishery cooperation accord
  Morocco and Libya signed in Syrtis Wednesday a cooperation agreement in the field of maritime resources. Libya-Morocco, Economics, 1/27/2000
• Moroccan small and medium export business get 200 million French francs
  Morocco and France have set up a 200 million FF credit-line to benefit Moroccan small and medium export firms, says a release from the French embassy in Rabat. Morocco-France, Business, 1/27/2000
• Ivorian president gets royal message
  Ivorian President Gen. Robert Guei was handed Wednesday a message from King Mohammed VI by a visiting Moroccan ministerial delegation. Morocco-Cote D'Ivoire, Politics, 1/27/2000
• European media delegation in Morocco jan. 27-30 Morocco-France, Culture, 1/27/2000
• Morocco, Tunisia sign accord on women and family affairs
  Morocco and Tunisia signed in Rabat on Wednesday an accord on cooperation in matters of women and family affairs. Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 1/27/2000
• French delegation visits eastern Morocco
  A French delegation is visiting this Thursday and Friday eastern Morocco to probe means of giving a new momentum to the region economic, social and cultural development. Morocco-France, Economics, 1/27/2000
• Morocco rewards Spanish tour operators
  Moroccan tourism minister, Hassan Sebbar, on Wednesday handed to Spanish tour operators featuring trips to Morocco "Morocco trophies." Morocco, Economics, 1/27/2000
• Morocco to host coming IPU conference
  Morocco said it was ready to host one of the coming statutory conferences of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) held every six months, IPU sources in Geneva said. Morocco-International, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Morocco, Burkina Faso discuss economic cooperation
  Experts from Morocco and Burkina Faso will hold a meeting in Ouagadougo by the end of February to explore possibilities of giving a new impetus to bilateral economic cooperation. Morocco-Burkina Faso, Economics, 1/27/2000
• Port authority staff on strike Friday Morocco, Local, 1/27/2000
• Cement consumption expected to double
  Moroccan consumption of cement, which is presently growing at a rate of 3 to 4%, will almost double in the coming years, from 7 to 15 million tons, says French daily "La Tribune." Morocco, Business, 1/27/2000
• Istiqlal party leader meets heads of Italian parties
  Secretary general of the Istiqlal Party, Abbas El Fassi, held talks in Rome with leaders of two Italian opposition parties, namely president of the Christian democrat center, Pierre Fernando Casini, and vice-president of Forza Italia, Antonio Martino. Morocco-Italy, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Morocco partially funds Abidjan mosque construction
  Minister of Habus and Islamic affairs Abdelkebir Alaoui M'daghri said Morocco would contribute to the completion of construction works of the Abidjan Plateau Mosque in the heart of Cote d'Ivoire's economic capital. Morocco-Cote D'Ivoire, Religion, 1/27/2000
• Women's integration plan: Moroccan official calls for a serene, mature debate
  Dialogue will be carried on in a bid to draft proposals and legal texts meant to end the injustice Moroccan women are suffering from at all levels, and to secure equality of rights to all citizens, male or female, as implied by the rule of the law, he said. Morocco, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Cuba's Fidel Castro sends message to King Mohammed VI Morocco-Cuba, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Sahrawi league in Europe says Polisario maneuvers doomed to failure
  The league of Moroccan Sahrawis living in France and Europe said the separatist Polisario's maneuvers to sabotage the identification operation and prevent the participation of all sahrawis in the UN-projected referendum are doomed to failure. Morocco, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Morocco calls for developing countries' cohesion to defend interests at trade talks
  Morocco called on developing countries to enhance cohesion and coordination to defend their interests at the multilateral trade talks of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) next month in Thailand. Morocco-International, Economics, 1/26/2000
• Morocco, Thailand sign trade convention
  Morocco and Thailand signed on Tuesday a trade convention to consolidate bilateral relations and exchange economic expertise on international issues. Morocco-Thailand, Economics, 1/26/2000
• Morocco takes part in tunis' women fencing tournament Tunisia-Morocco, Sports, 1/26/2000
• Italian foreign trade minister in Morocco next week
  Italian Foreign Trade Minister Piero Fassino will pay an official visit to Morocco February 1-2. Morocco-Italy, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Morocco says stranding of goods in Spain contrary to treaty
  Morocco says the stranding in Spain of Moroccan goods heading for European markets is contrary to the content of the treaty of friendship and good neighborly relations between the two countries. Morocco-Spain, Economics, 1/26/2000
• Istiqlal party leader in Italy
  Secretary general of the Istiqlal Party, Abbas El Fassi, started on Tuesday a visit to Italy for talks with leaders of major Italian political parties and members of the foreign affairs committee at the Italian parliament. Morocco-Italy, Politics, 1/26/2000
• International human rights federation holds congress in Morocco
  The congress preparations were discussed at a meeting in Rabat on Tuesday between the Prime Minister, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, and a visiting delegation from the federation. Morocco-Morocco, Culture, 1/26/2000
• Moroccan produce growers launch promotion campaign in Russia
  Three Moroccan agricultural professional associations announced a promotion campaign for Moroccan citrus fruits and early vegetables at Russian markets. Morocco-Russia, Agriculture, 1/26/2000
• Telefonica-led consortium to launch Morocco's 2nd GSM license before April 5
  The Medi-Telecom consortium, which obtained for $1.1 billion the second GSM license in Morocco, will launch the operation before April 5, the company's general manager announced in Casablanca on Tuesday. Morocco, Business, 1/26/2000
• Health department warns against flu epidemic Morocco, Health, 1/26/2000
• Canadian hospital donates Moroccan patients 1.3 ton of cancer drugs
  A Canadian hospital shipped Tuesday to Morocco 1.3 tons of drugs for needy cancer patients, in an initiative by Henry El Baz, a Moroccan-born physician who heads the Jewish hospital of Montreal. Morocco-Canada, Health, 1/26/2000
• Cephalopod fishery closed Feb.1st-March 31st
  The cephalopod fleet will not be operating Feb. 1st through March 31st, announced the Moroccan fishing department. Morocco, Economics, 1/26/2000
• Moroccan short victory in first match against Congo
  The Moroccan football squad wrestled three points in its first outing against Congo (1-0) in the second match of group "D" first round of the African Nations' Cup Tuesday in Lagos. Morocco-Congo, Sports, 1/26/2000
• Moroccan-Tunisian talks in Rabat on women and family affairs
  Tunisian secretary of state for women and family affairs, Naziha Zarouk, who started on Monday a visit to Morocco held talks with several cabinet members on means to upgrade cooperation and join efforts to promote women's role in society. Morocco-Tunisia, Culture, 1/25/2000
• Arab reconciliation, responsibility of all Arab states
  After he recalled that Europe established its unity by addressing causes of war, Radi said Arab reconciliation needs a culture of compromise and reciprocal concessions. Regional-Morocco, Politics, 1/25/2000
• IIF optimistic as to investment prospects in Morocco
  "The Institute of International Finance" (IIF) voiced optimism as to the inflow of foreign investment into Morocco and stressed major changes operated under King Mohammed VI. Morocco, Economics, 1/25/2000
• Most Moroccan enterprises ignore advantages of stock exchange, study
  Nearly 29% of Moroccan enterprises have no idea about the conditions required to be listed on the stock exchange, 52% ignore the moves and procedures for the listing while 34% are not properly informed of the advantages of the stock exchange. Morocco, Business, 1/25/2000
• US assistant secretary of trade in Morocco Wednesday
  US Assistant Secretary of Trade Robert L. Mallet is expected in Rabat on Wednesday on a three-day visit for talks on Moroccan-American cooperation in matters of trade and investments. Morocco-USA, Economics, 1/25/2000
• Istiqlal party rejects results of UN identification operation in Sahara
  The Istiqlal Party, a member of the leftist-led coalition government, rejected results released last week by the UN identification commission regarding the eligibility of members of three contested tribes. Morocco, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Sugar beet harvest increase in 1999-2000 campaign
  The harvest of sugar beets is expected to reach 850,000 to 900,000 tons this year in the Gharb and Loukkos regions (western and northern Morocco). Morocco, Agriculture, 1/25/2000
• Canadian firm projects $ 250 million alfa pulp plant in eastern Morocco
  A Canadian firm will build a plant to produce Alfa-based pulp and other products in eastern Morocco, for an initial investment estimated at $ 250 million. Morocco-Canada, Business, 1/25/2000
• Canada-based Moroccans collect funds for disabled compatriots
  The Moroccan community based in the Canadian province of Quebec are collecting funds for Moroccan disabled persons in Morocco. Morocco, Culture, 1/25/2000
• FIFA delegates will be handed tangible things, minister says Morocco, Sports, 1/25/2000
• Morocco co-drafts convention on yachting in Mediterranean Regional-Morocco, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Moroccan squad lineup for first outing against Congo Morocco, Sports, 1/25/2000
• Hicham Arazi Ousted Of Melbourne Tennis Tournament Morocco, Sports, 1/25/2000
• King Mohammed congratulates new Guinean president Morocco-Guinea-Bissau, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Morocco and Thailand to sign trade agreement Morocco-Thailand, Economics, 1/24/2000
• King invites Tunisian president to visit Morocco
  King Mohammed VI has invited Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to visit Morocco, said Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Mohamed Benaissa, who handed on Saturday a royal message to Ben Ali. Morocco-Tunisia-Spain, Politics, 1/24/2000
• International training session in disabled athletics Regional-Morocco, Sports, 1/24/2000
• Government's anti-corruption program seeks to improve government - business relations
  The Moroccan government has worked out an anti-corruption program that seeks to improve the business environment, to monitor activities of the private sector, to promote loyal competitiveness and to improve relations between the government and business. Morocco, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Italian consortium and Moroccan region sign cooperation agreement
  An Italian consortium, mustering some 200 small and medium-sized enterprises, signed on Sunday a cooperation agreement with the Moroccan region of Chaouia-Ouardigha, near Casablanca. Morocco-Italy, Business, 1/24/2000
• Moody's delegation to Morocco to establish new rating Morocco, Economics, 1/24/2000
• Earthquake hit Moroccan eastern city, no casualties Morocco, Local, 1/24/2000
• Moroccan football squad lands in lagos for CAN-2000 Morocco, Sports, 1/24/2000
• Two Moroccans in Melbourne tennis quarterfinals Morocco, Sports, 1/24/2000

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