Arabic News Weekly Edition for Morocco, 12/15/2003
Weekly Edition, Morocco - Week of December 15, 2003
- Moroccan justice qualified for implementing new family code
Morocco's Justice Minister, Mohamed Bouzoubaa, said Thursday that "Moroccan justice is well qualified for a better implementation of the family code." Morocco, Politics, 12/20/2003 - Morocco committed to work with UNHCR to loosen the vice on Moroccans held by Polisario
The Moroccan government has voiced commitment to implement the humanitarian measures proposed by the United Nations High Commissioner for refuges (UNHCR) to "loosen the vice" on Moroccans native of the Sahara, held against their will by the separatist movement "Polisario." Morocco-UN, Politics, 12/20/2003 - Morocco improves planning system for efficient forecasting
Morocco is improving its forecast and strategic view of economic and social development, said Thursday, Morocco's Planning High Commissioner, Ahmed Lahlimi Alami. Morocco, Economics, 12/20/2003 - Baghdad favorably welcomes Morocco's participation in Iraq's reconstruction
Iraqi foreign minister has said that his country welcomes favorably Morocco and other Arab states' participation in reconstruction efforts in this war-torn country. Morocco-Iraq, Politics, 12/20/2003 - Morocco eyes new fisheries strategy
Moroccan prime minister, Driss Jettou, announced Thursday that the maritime fisheries ministry commissions in charge of general and economic affairs and economy upgrading and the fisheries Association will meet next Monday to "ponder a new strategy" for the fisheries sector. Morocco, Economics, 12/20/2003 - Moroccan government determined to fight children exploitation in work places
The Moroccan government is determined to fight all forms of children exploitation in work places through implementing germane laws, handicraft and social economy minister, M'Hamed El Khalifa, pledged in Rabat on Thursday. Morocco, Culture, 12/20/2003 - Mohammed V foundation collects over us $15 million in solidarity campaign
Moroccan charity, "Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity" has collected US $15.3 million (153 million Dhs) in this year's solidarity campaign, US $11.8 million of this sum in cash and the rest of it in goods, it was revealed in Rabat Friday. Morocco, Local, 12/20/2003 - Terrorism: Briton among 5 extremists sentenced to 20 years in Morocco
Five people, including a Briton of Moroccan origin and two Arabs, were sentenced in absentia to 20 years imprisonment by a Moroccan court, in Rabat Friday, under the new anti-terrorism law enacted last May after the terror bombings that hit (May 16) the Moroccan economic capital, Casablanca, killing 43 people including the 12 suicide bombers. Morocco, Local, 12/20/2003 - Belgian senate commission report hailed the new family law Morocco-Belgium, Politics, 12/20/2003
- Moroccan court may set historic precedent on innocent till proven guilty concept
The defense pleaded for the temporary release on the basis of the assumption that anyone shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Morocco, Judicial, 12/19/2003 - 'The Three Cultures Foundation' NGO efficient for promoting spanish - moroccan understanding
"The three cultures Foundation" (Mediterranean NGO) is an efficient channel for reinforcing relations between Moroccan and Spanish civil societies which share a common historical background, said in Seville, Wednesday, the president of Spanish regional government of Andalusia. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 12/19/2003 - Madrid to present tunnel project to EU transports commissioner
The Spanish transportation minister, announced Tuesday that he will present on Jan 14th the Gibraltar Strait tunnel project to the European Energy and transport Commissioner, Loyola de Palacio. Morocco-Spain, Economics, 12/19/2003 - Moroccan-Chinese trade exchanges valued at us $400 mln in 2002
Moroccan-Chinese trade exchanges were valued at $400 million (4 billion Dhs) in 2002, Moroccan exterior trade minister, Mustapha Mechhouri, said in Casablanca Wednesday, deploring the weakness of exchanges between the two countries. Morocco-China, Politics, 12/19/2003 - 5,000 athletes to take part in international marathon of Marrakesh
Over 5,000 athletes will take part in the 15th edition of the international marathon of Marrakesh, to be held in January 18, organizers have said. Morocco, Sports, 12/19/2003 - Morocco, UNDP sign cooperation agreement to assist micro energy enterprises
Morocco and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) signed in Marrakesh Wednesday a cooperation agreement to carry out the national program of assistance to micro energy enterprises. Morocco, Economics, 12/19/2003 - Iraqi foreign minister arrives in Morocco Iraq-Morocco, Politics, 12/19/2003
- Saudi Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz arrives in Morocco Morocco-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 12/19/2003
- Morocco denies privatization of railway sector
The adoption, Thursday, by the Moroccan government council of a draft bill on the creation of the Moroccan Railway Company "definitely does not mean the privatization of the sector," since it will remain part of the public sector, said spokesman for the Moroccan government, Nabil Benabdellah. Morocco, Economics, 12/19/2003 - Nearly 1 million Moroccans to benefit of anti-illiteracy campaign in 2004, official Morocco, Education, 12/19/2003
- Morocco probes health project with World Bank Morocco, Local, 12/19/2003
- Morocco deplores non ratification by rich countries of migrant workers rights convention
The Moroccan human rights minister has deplored the non ratification by some rich countries of the International Convention on migrant workers rights, who were keen to adhere to other "less important" conventions. Regional-Morocco, Politics, 12/19/2003 - Morocco donates foodstuffs to Mauritanian Children
According to official statistics, 35% of Mauritanian children suffer from malnutrition, which directly causes the death of 50% of the country's children. Mauritania-Morocco, Culture, 12/18/2003 - There is no tension between justice department and magistrates, minister
"The justice family is resolved to cut off tumors infecting it and make its reforming and moralization process a success," he said. Morocco, Judicial, 12/18/2003 - Algerian fm: King Mohammed strongly committed to Maghreb edification
Morocco's King Mohammed VI is firmly committed to edification of the Maghreb Union (UMA) said Tuesday Algerian foreign minister, Abdelaziz Belkhadem, who conveyed the sovereign a message from President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 12/18/2003 - Morocco's fruits, vegetables exports score 48% rise
Morocco's exports of various fruits and vegetables reached 34,000 Tons by mid-December 2003, i.e. a 48% rise against last year, the department of agriculture and rural development said in a release Tuesday. Morocco, Economics, 12/18/2003 - Any solution to Sahara issue should respect Moroccan Kingty Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 12/18/2003
- Morocco produces 6% of world olive growing production
Morocco contributes with 6 percent in the world olive growing production with 560,000 tons annually, the Moroccan Agro-food Federation (FENACRI) said in a report that was published recently on the national oil growing sector. Morocco, Economics, 12/18/2003 - Moroccan speaker, Spanish FM laud new spirit in Moroccan-Spanish relations Morocco-Spain, Politics, 12/18/2003
- Morocco launches bid to import 110,000 tons of soft wheat Morocco, Economics, 12/18/2003
- Over 600 kg of hashish seized in tangiers Morocco, Local, 12/18/2003
- Maghreb union impossible without Sahara dispute settlement (diplomat)
The objective of a united Maghreb is impossible without the settlement of the Sahara dispute, insisted a former Algerian diplomat. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 12/17/2003 - King calls for more equitable, humane world order
"We look forward to the emergence of a more equitable, more balanced and more humane world order, in which our distinct group is to be reckoned with, on account of its size as well as the quality of its contribution which reflects its complementary and solidarity," said the Moroccan monarch Regional-Morocco, Politics, 12/17/2003 - Morocco committed to enforce retirement reforms by 2004
Moroccan Prime minister, Driss Jettou, affirmed Monday that the government will concretize compulsory sickness insurance (AMO) and reforms in retirement schemes by 2004. Morocco, Politics, 12/17/2003 - Sweden-based NGO calls for solidarity with Polisario victims
The Sweden-based association of defense of the sequestered of Tindouf (ADESETI) called Tuesday for solidarity with the victims of injustice and human rights violations perpetrated by the Polisario separatists in the camps of Tindouf (south-western Algeria). Morocco-Sweden, Politics, 12/17/2003 - King Mohammed receives Palestinian, Israeli former ministers
Morocco's King Mohammed VI received in the royal palace of Marrakesh former Palestinian information minister, Yasser Abed Rabbu, and former Israeli Justice minister, Yossi Beilin, the chief negotiators of the Geneva peace initiative. Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 12/17/2003 - Center for women information, studies and documentation created in Morocco
Yasmina Baddou, Morocco's state secretary in charge of family, solidarity and social action, launched Monday construction works of the Moroccan Center for Women Information, Studies and documentation, part of efforts to "support human development and social integration." Morocco, Culture, 12/17/2003 - A tunnel to link Europe with Africa, to cost over 3 billion Euros
The construction of a tunnel linking Europe and Africa through the Gibraltar Strait will cost more than three billion EUROS, revealed on Monday, Spanish minister of development. Morocco-Spain, Economics, 12/17/2003 - Special court of justice to look into case of national fund of social security (minister) Morocco, Politics, 12/17/2003
- Arab women should integrate universal society of new technologies, Minister Regional-Morocco, Politics, 12/17/2003
- 'One Thousand Months' movie awarded twice in Damascus festival
Moroccan director Faouzi Bensaïdi's film "One Thousand Months" was awarded the Silver Trophy and a prize of the best Arab film in Damascus international cinema festival that wound up Saturday. Regional-Morocco, Local, 12/17/2003 - No financial authorities agreement required for textile companies to grant discounts to foreign customers
Moroccan exporting textile companies are allowed from now on to grant their clients abroad discounts up to 3 percent from the exportation invoice without prior agreement of the Moroccan Exchange Office. Morocco, Economics, 12/17/2003 - Morocco wins Arab kick boxing championship Regional-Morocco, Sports, 12/17/2003
- Morocco's 2003 cannabis cultivation estimated at 47,000 tons
Cannabis cultivation in Morocco covers a 134,000 hectare surface, which amounts to a raw production of 47,000 tons, corresponding to a potential hashish production of 3,080 tons, according to a survey conducted in cooperation between the Moroccan Agency for Economic and Social Development of the Northern Provinces, and the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Morocco, Economics, 12/17/2003 - King Mohammed approves members of equity and reconciliation commission
Morocco's King Mohammed VI has approved the composition of the Equity And Reconciliation Committee, a body set up last Nov. 6 to pursue out-of-court settlement of past human rights abuses related to forced disappearances and arbitrary detention and complete a fair and equitable rehabilitation of victims. Morocco, Politics, 12/16/2003 - Marrakech G-77 conference to focus on peoples needs and development
The G-77, founded to give a stronger voice to developing countries, said there was concern that the recent international emphasis on security issues meant development was being comparatively ignored Regional-Morocco, Politics, 12/16/2003 - Launch of campaign to protect children
The National Observatory of Children Rights,(ONDE), a Moroccan NGO, launched, on Sunday, a new campaign of awareness for the protection of children against sexual exploitation. Morocco, Culture, 12/16/2003 - Morocco and Spain to be linked by a 38-km long undersea railway
A Spanish official source announced that Morocco and Spain will be connected through a double track-railway that would be built under the 300 m deep- Gibraltar Strait. Morocco-Spain, Economics, 12/16/2003 - King Appoints Princess Lalla Meryem, chairwoman of national union of Moroccan women Morocco, Local, 12/16/2003
- New evidence not enough to free Mounir El Motassadeq
Mounir El Motassadeq, convicted in connection with the September 11 attacks, will remain in jail despite secret new evidence in a related case that might have freed him, his lawyer said Monday. Morocco-Germany, Local, 12/16/2003 - Spain's Santiago Luna wins 32nd Hassan II golf trophy Morocco, Sports, 12/16/2003
- Attajdid: Algeria Islamist leader calls Sahara issue artificial
Leader of the Algerian outlawed party, Islamic Salvation Front, Abbasi Madani, said the Sahara issue is an "artificial" one that is part of a colonial plan whose seeds were sown by western colonialists. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 12/15/2003 - King Mohammed chairs ministers' council on family code reform
At the end of the meeting, Hassan Aourid, spokesman of the Royal Palace, said the sovereign recalled at the Council the importance of the amendments of the family code stressing that it will consolidate law, improve women conditions and establish an egalitarian and fair society. Morocco, Politics, 12/15/2003 - Morocco to double budget allocated to school building
Moroccan national education and youth minister, Habib El Malki, announced in Rabat Friday that the budget allocated to building schools, estimated at 1.39 billion Dhs in 2003 (US $139 million), will be doubled next year. Morocco, Education, 12/15/2003 - Telecom regulation agency moves to encourage home-internet
The price of an hour of Internet connection will decrease by 40% to stand at 12 DH per hour (US$ 1.2) Morocco, Economics, 12/15/2003 - King Mohammed receives message from Mauritanian president Morocco-Mauritania, Politics, 12/15/2003
- Al Ahdath Al Maghribya: Morocco attracted $ 3 billion in foreign investments in 2003
Morocco received in 2003 US$ 3 billion-worth of foreign investments, said Hassan Bernoussi, head of investments. Morocco, Economics, 12/15/2003 - French tour operator says it will bring 150,000 tourists to Morocco in 2004
Richard Prosser, CEO of Etapes Nouvelles, France's major tour operator in Morocco, says it will bring 150,000 tourists in Morocco in 2004. Morocco-France, Business, 12/15/2003 - US Senate confirms Riley as ambassador to Morocco
The US senate confirmed in a hearing held this week, Thomas Riley as US ambassador to Morocco, in replacement of Margaret Tutwiler who was nominated under-secretary for public diplomacy. Morocco-USA, Politics, 12/15/2003 - U.N. pays tribute to Morocco for its role in finalizing U.N. convention against corruption Morocco-UN, Politics, 12/15/2003
- Two minors get release on probation
The court of appeal of Rabat sentenced on Friday to one year of release on probation two minors sued under the anti-terrorism law. Morocco, Local, 12/15/2003 - European commissioner for EU enlargement postpones visit to Morocco Morocco-European Union, Local, 12/15/2003