Arabic News Weekly Edition for Morocco, 2/28/2000

Weekly Edition, Morocco - Week of February 28, 2000

• Tony Blair emissary to King Mohammed expected Tuesday
  Lord Levy, personal emissary of Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair to King Mohammed VI, is expected in Rabat Tuesday on a six day visit to the kingdom. Morocco-UK, Politics, 3/4/2000
• King Mohammed views air-ground maneuvers in Ouarzazate
  King Mohammed VI of Morocco, commander in chief and chief of the general staff of the Royal Armed Forces, who is undertaking a military inspection trip in southeastern military facilities, viewed on Friday air-ground maneuvers in the drill grounds of Ouarzazate (southeastern Morocco). Morocco, Military, 3/4/2000
• Moroccan premier outlines before parliament new education charter
  Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi Friday explained before a extraordinary parliamentary session that the main objectives of the new education charter project are equal chances, a quality education and its adaptation to the job market. Morocco, Education, 3/4/2000
• King Mohammed sends envoys to several African heads of state
  King Mohammed VI sent envoys to several African heads of state bearing messages on bilateral cooperation and regional issues. Morocco-Africa, Politics, 3/4/2000
• Chinese delegation prospects Moroccan market
  A Chinese delegation from the municipality of Chongqing Friday wound up a six-day business prospecting visit in Morocco. Morocco-China, Business, 3/4/2000
• Moroccan economic mission in Bahrain
  A moroccan economic mission, currently touring the Gulf Cooperation Council states, arrived in Manama Thursday on a three-day visit to Bahrain. Bahrain-Morocco, Economics, 3/4/2000
• Morocco announces 5% increase in education budget
  Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi announced on Friday that the education budget will be increased by 5% in the coming years. Morocco, Education, 3/4/2000
• Egypt, Morocco for Israel's withdrawal from Arab lands
  Egypt and Morocco have stressed the importance of Israel's implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 242, 338 and 425 which call for complete withdrawal from the Syrian Golan Heights to the June 4th, 1967 lines, from south Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories. Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 3/4/2000
• Alioua hands royal message to Mozambican president
  Social development, solidarity, employment and vocational training minister and government spokesman Khalid Alioua met Friday in Maputo with Mozambican President Joaquim Alberto Chissano and handed him a message from King Mohammed VI. Morocco-Mozambique, Politics, 3/4/2000
• Kuwaiti operators keen on investing in Morocco
  Kuwaiti public and private operators have voiced readiness to invest in Morocco to raise the level of Kuwaiti investments in the kingdom which do not exceed $80 million out of $2 billion invested abroad in 1999. Kuwait-Morocco, Economics, 3/4/2000
• Spain to contribute DH 403 million to Moroccan projects in 2000-2003
  Spain said it would contribute 6.72 billion pesetas (403 million DH) in various development projects in Morocco between 2000 and 2003. Morocco-Spain, Economics, 3/4/2000
• Moroccan bank to build 1,000 schools
  The Education Ministry and a Moroccan bank (Banque Marocaine de Commerce Exterieur) signed on Thursday an agreement under which the bank pledged to build 1,000 schools between 2000 and 2009. Morocco, Education, 3/4/2000
• Central African minister happy with visit to Morocco
  The Central African Rebublic's minister of relations with the Arab world, Mamadou Bello, said before takeoff Friday he was happy with talks with Moroccan officials and that his visit helped strengthen ties between the two countries. Morocco-Central African Republic, Politics, 3/4/2000
• Cephalopod fishery probes prospects in light of EU departure
  The Moroccan cephalopod association (ACM) convened early this week in Agadir a meeting to probe prospects for the high-sea fishery in light of the European fleet pullout, after Morocco refused to renew a fisheries agreeement with the European Union. Morocco, Economics, 3/4/2000
• Hayatou to chair CAF executive committee meeting in Casablanca
  Chairman of the African Football Confederation (CAF) Aissa Hayatou arrived Friday in Casablanca to chair Saturday a meeting of the body's executive committee. Morocco-Africa, Sports, 3/4/2000
• For the first time, tourism remittances exceed those of Moroccan expatriates
  Tourists brought to Morocco last year $1.87 billion (18.7 billion DH), exceeding for the first time Moroccan expatriates' remittances valued at $1.84 billion (18.46 billion DH), according to figures of the exchange office. Morocco, Economics, 3/4/2000
• Mobile phone users on the rise in Morocco
  The number of mobile phone subscribers in Morocco, currently standing at 500,000, is expected to jump to one million by the end of the current year. Morocco, Business, 3/4/2000
• Rotation, a strong point for African 2006 bids, Senegal's footbal official
  The chairman of the Senegalese football federation, Omar Seck, said the rotation principle is a strong point in favor of the african candidates, Morocco and South Africa, to host the 2006 World Cup. Morocco-Senegal, Sports, 3/4/2000
• More than half of Moroccan families have a TV set
  A percentage of 60% of Moroccan families have a television set, said figures of the Moroccan territory development department. Morocco, Economics, 3/4/2000
• Morocco ties normalization with Israel to progress in peace
  Moroccan Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister Mohamed Benaissa renewed on Thursday that normalization of relations between Arab states and Israel depends on progress in the MidEast peace process. Morocco-Israel, Politics, 3/3/2000
• Algeria backs Moroccan's candidacy to second term as African Development Bank chief
  Algeria has renewed backing to the candidacy of Moroccan Omar Kabbaj to a second term at the head of the African Development Bank (ADB), it was officially announced in Algiers Thursday. Algeria-Morocco-International, Politics, 3/3/2000
• Government calls for emergency meeting of road-safety commission
  The government council meeting Thursday called for an emergency meeting of the inter-department road-safety commission to face up alarming increase of accidents. Morocco, Politics, 3/3/2000
• King Mohammed views maneuvers at Errachidia drill grounds
  King Mohammed VI, commander in chief and chief of the general staff of the Royal Armed forces, viewed on Thursday maneuvers at the drill grounds in Errachidia, in southeastern Morocco. Morocco, Military, 3/3/2000
• Three trade agreements probed by government council
  The government council meeting chaired Thursday by Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi probed three trade agreements with Malaysia, Croatia and Sudan. Morocco-International, Economics, 3/3/2000
• Moroccan official to brief House of Commons on human rights experience
  Moroccan Human Rights Minister Mohammed Aujjar will be visiting London this March 6-8 to brief the House of Commons on Morocco's human rights experience. Morocco-UK, Politics, 3/3/2000
• FIFA, CAF chiefs in Morocco
  FIFA Chief, Joseph Blatter and his CAF peer, Issa Hayatou, are expected in Morocco on March 24-25 to confer with Moroccan officials on the kingdom's bid to host the 2006 World Cup. Morocco-International, Sports, 3/3/2000
• Morocco attends Ottawa meeting on e-trade legal aspects Morocco-International, Economics, 3/3/2000
• UN official calls Morocco to create specialized non-governmental organizations on children
  UN special rapporteur on children trafficking, prostitution and pornography, Ofelia Calcetas-Santos, who is currently on a visit to Morocco, called for the creation of non-governmental organization specialized in children. Morocco, Culture, 3/3/2000
• Saudi King Fahd voices backing to Morocco's World Cup bid
  King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia has voiced his country's full backing to Morocco's bid to host the 2006 World Cup. Morocco-Saudi Arabia, Sports, 3/3/2000
• Condolences for railway crash victims
  Victims of the Car-El Kebir railway accident will get royal financial support, said Thursday minister in charge of relations with Parliament, Mohamed Bouzoubaa, standing in for the government spokesman. Morocco, Local, 3/3/2000
• Child killers get capital punishment Morocco, Judicial, 3/3/2000
• Morocco takes part in preparatory meeting of Euro-African summit
  Morocco is taking part for the first time in the preparatory meeting of the Euro-African summit. Morocco-International, Politics, 3/3/2000
• Taxes provide over 68% of state receipts Morocco, Economics, 3/3/2000
• Sahara, Sahel observatory meets in Morocco
  The Sahara and Sahel Observatory will hold an extraordinary general assembly this March 6-7 in Rabat with ministers, officials, African sub-regional and international organizations member to the Observatory, attending. Morocco, Environment, 3/3/2000
• Moroccan Benbedda to officiate judo olympic contests Morocco, Sports, 3/3/2000
• Landlord kills tenant, tears her body apart
  A Landlord killed last week in Sale (Rabat's twin city) her young tenant and tore her body apart to conceal the crime. Morocco, Local, 3/3/2000
• King mohammed arrives in Errachidia to inspect drill grounds
  King Mohammed VI, commander in chief and chief of the general staff of the Royal Armed forces, arrived in Errachidia, southeastern Morocco, Thursday to inspect drill grounds in the area. Morocco, Military, 3/2/2000
• King Mohammed sends message to Algerian President
  The Moroccan minister in charge of the Maghreb and the Arab-Islamic world, Abdeslam Znined, conveyed on Thursday to Algerian Premier Ahmed Benbitour a message from King Mohammed VI to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Morocco-Algeria-Africa, Politics, 3/2/2000
• Mubarak gets message from King Mohammed
  Benaissa told reporters he reviewed with President Mubarak a number of issues related to the Maghreb and the Middle East, in addition to bilateral cooperation and the coming session of the Moroccan-Egyptian high joint commission. Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 3/2/2000
• Egyptian - Moroccan ministerial follow-up committee to convene tomorrow in Cairo
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa convened last night with Moroccan Foreign Minister Mohamed Benaissa, who arrived in Cairo yesterday evening for an official visit to Egypt during which he will head with Moussa the work of the ministerial follow up committee that is convening tomorrow. Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 3/2/2000
• Morocco's king to attend Euro-African summit in Cairo
  King Mohammed VI will take part in the Euro-African summit scheduled to be held in Cairo next April 3-4. Morocco-International, Politics, 3/2/2000
• Ben Ali calls for Moroccan-Tunisian cooperation follow-up
  President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali underscored the need for Moroccan-Tunisian cooperation follow-up and use of every opportunity available. Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 3/2/2000
• Morocco among world's emerging markets Morocco-IMF, Economics, 3/2/2000
• King Mohammed invited to pay official visit to Spain
  King Mohammed VI has been invited to pay an official visit to Spain next September, said the official spokesman of the royal palace, Hassan Aourid. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 3/2/2000
• Mahfud Nahnah wants Moroccan-Algerian relations back to normal
  President of the Algerian Society's Movement for Peace, Mahfud Nahnah, said Wednesday he wanted Moroccan-Algerian relations switched back to normal. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 3/2/2000
• Moroccan-Spanish relations discussed at highest level in Madrid
  Moroccan-Spanish relations and issues of mutual concern were discussed Wednesday in Madrid by King Mohammed VI and King Juan Carlos. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 3/2/2000
• Honduras did suspend recognition of Polisario, FM spokesperson confirms
  The spokesperson of the Moroccan Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ministry has confirmed that Honduras suspended its recognition of the so-called Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR/self-proclaimed by the Polisario). Morocco-Honduras, Politics, 3/2/2000
• Commission approves five investment projects worth $580 million Morocco, Economics, 3/2/2000
• Morocco-EU association accord, a step towards Morocco's integration in European space
  The Moroccan-European Union (EU) association accord, which entered into force on March 1, will help Morocco integrate the European space, the head of the European delegation in Morocco said. Morocco-European Union, Economics, 3/2/2000
• Morocco for earnest Arab summits, foreign minister
  Morocco supports the holding of earnest Arab summits that would debate accurate agendas, said Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Mohamed Benaissa. Morocco, Politics, 3/2/2000
• Morocco's premier tours Latin America next week
  Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi undertakes next week a Latin American tour that will lead him to Columbia, Chile and Argentina. Morocco-International, Politics, 3/2/2000
• Custom gives seized products to canteens, boarding schools
  The Moroccan Education Ministry and customs administration signed on Wednesday an agreement under which all products seized at Morocco's customs will be allocated to school canteens and dorms, mainly in rural areas. Morocco, Education, 3/2/2000
• Morocco deplores at HCR meeting limits to freedom of expression at Polisario camps
  Sahrawi populations sequestered by the Polisario secessionists are in no position to freely express their will, said here Wednesday Morocco's delegate to the United Nations office in Geneva, Nacer Benjelloun-Touimi. Morocco, Politics, 3/2/2000
• Morocco extends assistance to flood-stricken Mozambique, Botswana
  Morocco extended last week an assistance to the governments of Mozambique and Botswana to help them in the heavy human losses and material damages caused by heavy floods that hit the two African countries. Morocco-Africa, Economics, 3/2/2000
• Agriculture accounts for 15 to 20 percent of GDP, economist says
  Agriculture accounted for 15 to 20 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in the last eight years while added value ranged from 37 to 62 billion dhs, says Mohammed V University economist Mounir Zouiten. Morocco, Economics, 3/2/2000
• Illegal immigrants arrested in northern Morocco
  Control patrols in northern Morocco helped arrest early this week in Nador of 122 illegal aliens from various African countries waiting for a break to join Spanish occupied Mellilia. Morocco, Politics, 3/2/2000
• Morocco deserves hosting World Cup, Uruguayan diplomat says
  Morocco is the best qualified nation in Africa to host the 2006 World Cup finals, Morocco's honorary consul in Uruguay said. Morocco-Uruguay, Sports, 3/2/2000
• Morocco, USAID sign partnership accord
  Morocco and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Wednesday concluded a partnership accord for the use of information technologies in education. Morocco-USA, Economics, 3/2/2000
• King Mohammed'svisit to Spain is a very friendly gesture, Matutes says
  The private visit King Mohammed VI pays to Spain Wednesday has been described by Spanish foreign minister, Abel Matutes, as "a very friendly gesture towards Spain." Morocco-Spain, Politics, 3/1/2000
• Saudi defense minister winds up private visit to Morocco Morocco-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 3/1/2000
• Italian senate speaker in Morocco Saturday Morocco-Italy, Politics, 3/1/2000
• Reform of education system, cornerstone of sustained development, king says
  King Mohammed VI pointed out Tuesday that the reform of the educational system is the cornerstone of a sustained social development and called for enforcing the new educational system as of the coming academic year. Morocco, Education, 3/1/2000
• UN security council extends mandate of UN mission in Sahara
  The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted on Tuesday a resolution extending for an additional three months, until next May 31, the mandate of MINURSO (UN mission supervising the referendum in the Sahara). Morocco-UN, Politics, 3/1/2000
• Morocco, Greece determined to upgrade cooperation
  Morocco and Greece have voiced determination to upgrade bilateral cooperation in the political, economic and cultural fields. Morocco-Greece, Politics, 3/1/2000
• Moroccan-Egyptian coordination committee meets in Cairo Thursday
  The Moroccan-Egyptian coordination and follow-up committee holds its first meeting in Cairo Thursday to prepare for the 4th session of the high joint commission scheduled for next May in the Egyptian capital. Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 3/1/2000
• Central African official carries on contacts in Rabat
  Central Africa's minister in charge of relations with the Arab states, Mamadou Bello, who is currently visiting Morocco, conferred with several cabinet members on the promotion of relations between the two countries. Morocco-Central African Republic, Politics, 3/1/2000
• Chilean parliamentary delegation visit Laayoune, meets officials in Rabat
  A delegation from the Chilean chamber of representatives on Monday made a trip to the southern city of Laayoune. Morocco-Chile, Politics, 3/1/2000
• Morocco calls Saudi investors to take advantage of gulf investment forum
  Morocco invited Saudi businessmen to take advantage of the gulf investment and partnership forum to be held in Casablanca next May 2-4. Saudi Arabia-Morocco, Economics, 3/1/2000
• Football: king Mohammed receives morocco's new coach Morocco, Sports, 3/1/2000
• 35 people die in train accident Morocco, Local, 3/1/2000
• Former resisters of southern regions reject UN identification results
  Former resisters and members of the liberation army of the southern provinces denounced the results of the UN identification in the Sahara as irregular and unfair to a large number of persons from the region. Morocco, Politics, 3/1/2000
• Moroccan carrier increases flights to/from Italy
  Moroccan air carrier "Royal Air Maroc" will service, starting March 28, an additional two flights to and from Italy, RAM's regional manager in the European country said. Morocco-Italy, Business, 3/1/2000
• King Mohammed on drill grounds inspection in Errachidia, Ouarzazate and southern zone command in Agadir
  King Mohammed VI, commander in chief and chief of the general staff of the Royal Armed Forces, undertakes, as of March 2, an inspection tour to drill grounds in Errachidia and Ouarzazate and to the southern zone command in Agadir. Morocco, Military, 2/29/2000
• King Mohammed on private visit to Spain Wednesday Morocco-Spain, Politics, 2/29/2000
• Moroccan-Tunisian political consultation commission meets in Rabat
  The Moroccan-Tunisian political consultation commission discussed in Rabat Monday new forms of coordination between the two states on major topics of mutual concern. Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 2/29/2000
• King Mohammed gets message from Tunisian president
  King Mohammed VI received Monday a message from President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia, on efforts to reactivate the edification of the Arab Maghreb. Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 2/29/2000
• Central Africa backs Morocco's sovereignty over Sahara
  The Central African Republic said it backs Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. Morocco-Central African Republic, Politics, 2/29/2000
• Morocco and Mexico move to finalize handicraft agreement Morocco-Mexico, Economics, 2/29/2000
• King mohammed receives FIFA inspectors
  King Mohammed VI received Monday here a FIFA delegation that paid a six-day visit to Morocco to inspect the country's sports, roads and telecommunications facilities. Morocco, Sports, 2/29/2000
• FIFA inspectors very impressed by Morocco's bid
  FIFA inspectors said they were "very, very impressed" by Morocco's bid to host the 2006 World Cup. Morocco, Sports, 2/29/2000
• Central Africa backs Morocco's World Cup bid
  The Central African Republic voiced backing for Morocco's bid to host the 2006 World Cup. Morocco-Central African Republic, Sports, 2/29/2000
• Morocco calls UN to allow return of sequestered Sahrawi population
  Morocco has officially asked the United Nations to allow the Sahrawi population sequestered by the Polisario secessionists to return home where all arrangements have been taken to cater for their needs. Morocco, Politics, 2/29/2000
• Europe-based Sahrawis claim registration in referendum voter lists
  The association of Europe-based Sahrawis has asked the United Nations to register all its members in the voter lists for the UN-projected referendum in the Sahara. Morocco, Politics, 2/29/2000
• No increase in gas prices, government
  The Moroccan government decided Monday not to increase gas prices, despite the hike in oil-prices in world markets. Morocco, Business, 2/29/2000
• Moroccan enterprises criticize government's poor consultation
  The Moroccan enterprises association (CGEM) criticized the ministries for failing to consult the enterprises before drafting major laws. Morocco, Economics, 2/29/2000
• London hosts Moroccan exhibition next March
  A Moroccan exhibition, featuring industrial products and culture, will open in London next March 29 for both the public and professionals. Morocco-UK, Business, 2/29/2000
• French euro 13.5 million-loan to support liquid sanitation in Agadir
  The French Development Agency has extended the city of Agadir (southwestern Morocco) a loan worth 13.55 million Euros to finance a liquid sanitation project in the city. Morocco-France, Economics, 2/29/2000
• More than half Moroccan urban population live in 7% of Moroccan cities
  As many as 69.3% of Morocco's 13.42 million-strong urban population are concentrated in 7% of Moroccan cities, says a study by the demographic studies and research center (CERED). Morocco, Economics, 2/29/2000
• Tennis: Morocco's Aynaoui, World N. 8 Morocco, Sports, 2/29/2000
• Morocco among monitors of Feb. 29 Y2K bug
  Morocco was chosen among 11 countries that will monitor the millennium bug problem that may happen on February 29, 2000. Morocco, Politics, 2/29/2000
• Morocco's bid is better than South Africa's, former French football star
  Former French football star, Jean-Pierre Papin said the 2006 World Cup should be held in Africa, and Morocco's bid is better than South Africa's. Morocco-International, Sports, 2/29/2000
• Morocco participates in Beirut's Islamic women union congress Regional-Morocco, Culture, 2/28/2000
• Tunisian Foreign Minister in Rabat
  Tunisian Foreign Minister Habib Benyahya arrived in Morocco Sunday with a message from President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali to King Mohammed VI. Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 2/28/2000
• Asmaa laghzaoui wins Milano's five mills cross Morocco, Sports, 2/28/2000
• Swazi political mission in Morocco
  A Swazi political delegation started Sunday a study mission to Morocco to assess the Kingdom's democratic experience and its applicability in Swaziland. Morocco-Swaziland, Politics, 2/28/2000
• France hosts Euro-Mediterranean summit next fall
  Heads of state and government of 27 European Union and south Mediterranean countries will hold a summit next fall in France, said France's ambassador in Morocco, Michel De Bonnecorse. Regional-Morocco, Politics, 2/28/2000
• Morocco hosts world school cross-country Morocco, Sports, 2/28/2000
• Former political detainee protest against naming a separatists' camp after him
  Moroccan former political detainee, Abraham Serfaty, has protested against giving his name to a Polisario camp without his prior consent. Morocco, Politics, 2/28/2000
• Morocco-EU association accord enters into force March 1
  The accord is innovative providing for mutual concessions, especially in matters of financial cooperation, Moroccan secretary of state for foreign affairs and cooperation, Taieb Fassi Fihri, said in a press conference in Rabat. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 2/28/2000
• Tetouan hosts first women enterprises exhibition this March
  Women managers association of northern Morocco (AFEN) will hold next March 7-9 in Tetouan (northern Morocco), the first Mediterranean multi-sectorial exhibition of women's enterprises (SMMEF 2000). Regional-Morocco, Business, 2/28/2000
• Moroccan executive delegation starts gulf tour
  A Moroccan executive delegation, led by head of investments at the Moroccan finance and economy ministry, Hassan Bernoussi, arrived in Jeddah Saturday, first leg of a tour in Arab Gulf states. Saudi Arabia-Morocco, Economics, 2/28/2000
• Water pollution in Morocco worsens, expert warns
  A Moroccan expert warned that water pollution in Morocco is worsening as a result of various industrial pollution sources and a non-environment friendly water policy. Morocco, Environment, 2/28/2000
• Chilean speaker meets officials in Rabat
  The Chilean delegation which is expected to make a trip to the Southern provinces said one of the purposes of its visit to Morocco is to have "a broader vision" on the Sahara issue. Morocco-Chile, Politics, 2/28/2000
• FIFA inspectors visit Fez stadium
  The inspection commission of the World football governing body (FIFA) visited over the weekend the Fez international stadium, currently under construction, part of Morocco's bid to host the 2006 World Cup finals. The delegation was also briefed on another 45,000 seat stadium, to be constructed in Meknes, near Fez. Morocco, Sports, 2/28/2000
• Gas-stations on two day strike as of Monday
  Gas-stations throughout the kingdom started Monday a 48 hour-strike at their union's call to protest undue practices by supply firms. Morocco, Economics, 2/28/2000
• Football: Morocco beats Tunisia
  Morocco's Olympic squad on Sunday defeated Tunisia 2-0, confirming its supremacy over the Maghreban peer. Morocco-Tunisia, Sports, 2/28/2000

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