The accord, he added, will also contribute to promoting foreign investment in Morocco in light of the reforms paving the way for a more attractivebusiness environment.The agreement, he went on, is part of a "common vision" of the twocountries' leaders, King Mohammed VI and George W. Bush, not only to consolidate relations but also to promote "economic growth, development,prosperity and security" in the region and in the world at large. He deemed "natural" to conclude such an agreement with a country that was the first country to recognize in 1787 the birth of the United States. Both Zoellick and Fassi-Fihri said they hoped the agreement would serve as amodel for other countries in North Africa and the Middle East.

The United States exports annually to Morocco an average of $475 million inproducts -- aircraft, corn and machinery, a tiny percentage of overall U.S.exports. Zoellick said the United States expects the agreement to boost that figuresignificantly with the elimination of Morocco's tariffs, which currentlyaverage 20 percent on U.S. goods entering the country. Morocco faces averagetariffs of only 4 percent on exports to the United States. The agreement concluded with Morocco after seven rounds of negotiations, isthe second the United States has reached with an Arab state. The first waswith Jordan in 2001.
http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/040304/2004030422.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

U.S., Morocco Sign Free-Trade Agreement: Latest Pact Lowering Tariffs Is Washington's Second With an Arab Nation
By Harry Dunphy Associated Press Writer
Wednesday, March 3, 2004; Page E04

The United States and Morocco concluded a free-trade agreement yesterdaydesigned to remove tariff barriers and open markets to industries, farmersand consumers in both countries. The accord is similar to recent bilateral agreements between the United States and Australia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras and Costa Rica. The Bush administration has accelerated its negotiating efforts since last year, when it won authority from Congress to complete new free-trade deals.

Under the "fast track" rules, agreements must face up-or-down votes, without amendments, in both the House and Senate. Passage is politically difficult this election year, especially because Congress has only a short session after the Independence Day holiday recess. Last year Congress approved trade agreements with Chile and Singapore. The agreement with Morocco, a Muslim North African nation, is the second the
United States has reached with an Arab country; the first was with Jordan in 2001. Negotiations resume today on a similar deal with Bahrain, a Persian Gulf emirate, and the Bush administration hopes to add the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean to the agreement with the five Central American nations late this year.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick and Morocco's minister-delegate of foreign affairs and cooperation, Taib Fassi-Fihri, announced the
free-trade agreement, which took 13 months to negotiate, at a news conference. As usual in trade negotiations, agriculture was a stumbling block. The two sides settled last-hour differences over wheat on Monday. Describing Morocco as a good friend of the United States for more than 200
years, Zoellick said the trade agreement "sends a powerful signal the United States is committed to supporting tolerant, open and more-prosperous Muslim societies."

Both Zoellick and Fassi-Fihri said they hoped the agreement would serve as a model for other countries in North Africa and the Middle East. The United States exports, on average, $475 million in products -- aircraft, corn and machinery -- annually to Morocco, a tiny percentage of overall U.S. exports. Zoellick said the United States expects the agreement to boost that figure significantly with the elimination of Morocco's tariffs, which currently average 20 percent on U.S. goods entering the country. Morocco faces average tariffs of only 4 percent on exports to the United States.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A24729-2004Mar2.html
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

U.S., Morocco reach free trade agreement
By Doug Palmer WASHINGTON, March 2 (Reuters)

The United States and Morocco said on Tuesday they have reached a free trade agreement that would strengthen business and investment ties between the two countries and lower barriers to farm trade. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick and Moroccan Minister-delegate of
Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Taib Fassi Fihri announced the deal at a joint press conference. "It's a ground-breaking FTA (free trade agreement) that not only slashes tariffs but sets a new high standard for the protection of intellectual property rights, opens markets for services, ensures government transparency and provides effective labor and environmental enforcement," Zoellick said in a statement.

The pact, which is subject to congressional approval, would be the second between the United States and an Arab country. The first was with Jordan in 2000. Negotiations on the agreement began early last year and were originally scheduled to conclude in December. However, the talks hit a snag over agricultural issues -- a sensitive topic for Morocco because its farmers fear a flood of cheap American imports. The agreement would phase out Morocco's tariffs on virtually all U.S. farm exports over a 15-year period. Morocco would provide immediate duty-free access on some agricultural products, such as pistachios, pecans and frozen potatoes. For more sensitive Moroccan farm goods, such as poultry and beef, the
agreement would establish tariff-rate quotas that would increase U.S. access to the Moroccan market over time. The pact also would establish tariff-rate quotas for durum and other wheat. The quotas eventually could lead to a five-fold increase in U.S. exports to Morocco compared with recent sales levels, the U.S. Trade Representative's office said.

The United States would phase out all of its farm tariffs under the agreement, most in 15 years. However, a special safeguard would be
established for horticulture products in case of significant U.S. price decreases. The Bush administration has proposed a regional free trade agreement with Middle East countries by 2013. It is negotiating this week with Bahrain in the hopes of concluding an agreement with that country this year.
((Reporting by Doug Palmer and Arshad Mohammed, editing by Gerald E. McCormick; Reuters Messaging: doug.palmer.reuters.com@reuters.net; e-mail: doug.palmer@reuters.com; +202 898 8341)) Copyright 2000 Reuters Limited. http://www.borsaitalia.it/fwa-cgi-bin/news.pl?id=1078251058nN02179715&tit=UPDATE%202-U.S.,%20Morocco%20reach%20free%20trade%20agreement&type=internazionali&ling=IT
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some 426,000 new jobs created in Morocco in 2003, official
Morocco, Economics, 3/2/2004

Some 426,000 new jobs were created in Morocco in 2003, including 63% of unpaid jobs (family aid or apprenticeship) said the high planning
commissioner. The commissioner said in a release, quoting a national survey, that 150,000 jobs were created in cities, mainly in agriculture, forests and fisheries ("6.7%), services ("3.6%), industry, handicraft included ("2%) and construction and public works ("1.2%). Most jobs in cities were generated by the private sector (89.8%), the same source goes.

In rural areas, some 277,000 jobs were created in 2003 against 52,000 only in 2002, due to the favorable conditions for agriculture in the 2002-2003 farming season. Most jobs (89.1%) were created in agriculture, followed by industry (10%). According to the high planning commissioner, population aged 15 and above reached 10,902,000 persons in 2003, i.e. a 5% rise compared to 2002. Unemployment rate in 2003 reached 11.9% as compares to 11.6% in 2002, i.e. 96,000 more jobless people. In cities, it rose from 18.3% to 19.3% and affected all categories of the active population.
http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/040302/2004030224.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visually impaired get phone operators training
Morocco, Local, 3/4/2004
A second 20-member group of visually impaired persons is currently receiving phone-operator training at a training center of Taza (northeast of Rabat). To integrate visually impaired people in professional life, the center, which was created in 2002, offers a 9-month training in Braille and moderntelephony, plus one-month practical training in public bodies. The program, carried out in collaboration with the UNDP and Morocco's
Braille League, ambitions to train 7 classes in 7 years.
http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/040304/2004030420.html
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Women's condition promotion, among Morocco's priorities, Minister
Morocco, Politics, 3/3/2004
The promotion of women's condition, is among the main objectives of Morocco's policy said on Monday Moroccan Secretary of state in charge of
family, solidarity and social action. Addressing the opening of the 48th session of the UN women's conditionnCommission Yasmina Baddou, said: "Morocco, proud of its constitution which reaffirms the respect of Human Rights, has made of the promotion of women's conditions one of its main objectives to perfect its democratic process that has become an irreversible choice." She mentioned in this regard the election in 2002 of 35 women at the House of Representatives. The Moroccan official also mentioned "the milestone event" in Morocco which is the recently enacted Family Code that broadens women's rights.

Yasmina Baddou reiterated Morocco's "readiness to step up efforts at the national and international levels to make of equality between men and women a daily reality."
http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/040303/2004030307.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tourism Sector Improves in Morocco
Mar 5, 2004 (LiquidAfrica via COMTEX) -- The Moroccan Planning Commission has published a review on the employment situation in the country for Q4 2003. The study shows that payrolls dropped by 4.8% y/y, increasing the number of unemployed from 1.31 million to 1.37 million . This raised the unemployment rate from 12.5% in 2003 to 12.8% . Urban unemployment is still the main concern and rose from 20.1% to 20.4%, while rural unemployment also rose slightly from 3.8% to 4.1%. The government forecasts that overall unemployment will trend down to 11% by the end of
2004.

Tourism is also shown to be improving in Morocco; statistics published on hotel occupancy rates and tourist arrivals for Q3 2003 showed these rising 0.3% y/y and 2.6% y/y respectively. In the nine months to September 2003, hotel occupancy rates were largely unchanged, dipping by 0.6% y/y after a 16.5% y/y fall in 2002. Morocco is yet to recover from a devastating earthquake on 24th February around the Mediterranean town of Al Hoceima. Measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale, the quake has claimed over 500 lives and caused severe damage to properties in about half a dozen villages in the area. King Mohamed VI has visited the affected area where tensions had been running high among the homeless survivors.

With over 20,000 people needing emergency housing, the government will be under renewed pressure to step up its social programme. Alongside
unemployment and education, housing shortages are one of the areas in the economy most in need of repair. (C) 2004 Standard Chartered, Redistributed by LiquidAfrica.com, All Rights Reserved
http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm?id=065i9600&section=Countries&page=Morocco&channel=All%20Morocco%20News&objectid=22403786-8F1A-11D4-867000D0B74A0D7C
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morocco's Islamic affairs minister meets delegation of US Christian right
Morocco-USA, Politics, 3/4/2004
Morocco's minister of Habous (Islamic endowments) and Islamic affairs, Ahmed Taoufiq, me on Tuesday with a visiting delegation from the US Christian Right coalition. The meeting reviewed several issues related to the religious life in Morocco and was an opportunity to "condemn debasing remarks against Islam and the values it preaches," said the Moroccan official. The US delegation praised Morocco's pioneer role to foster constructive dialogue between religions and civilizations. Michael Kirtley, who leads the US delegation, said the visit is meant to promote understanding between the Arab world and the USA and to get better acquainted with reforms undertaken by Morocco. The US Christian Right is an influential media and political power. It boasts over 70 million members and adepts.
http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/040304/2004030423.html
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Islamic Affairs Minister Re-defines Ulema Role
RABAT, Mar.05 - Minister of Habous and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Taoufiq, called said Ulema (Islamic scholars) need to re-define their traditional
mission and apprehend their role in the respect of Morocco's democratic choices and as a religious duty that is part of the respect of the community will while abiding by the goals of the Charia (Islamic law).

The official told ulema at a lecture marking the opening of the cultural season of 1425 (hejira year) at the "Dar Al-hadith Al-Hassania" school this
new approach will frustrate superficial and shortsighted attitudes of those who deliberately or unintentionally make a misinterpretation of Islam.

He further argued that Ulema's new role will spare the nation the hazards of discord, in keeping with the tradition of predecessors who, in their books and thought, produced evidence to the pertinence of the Sunna (Prophet's tradition) prescriptions and their ability to fathom temporal realities.

Democracy, he went on, also requires that Itijtihad (jurisprudence) be restored in is tolerant dimension toward pluralism and diversity and that
Islamic scholars accommodate the divergence of viewpoints and of behaviors, even divergence on religious issues while respecting the country's laws and priorities and the collectivity interests.

He also urged Ulema to integrate the principle of freedom as a synonymous of democracy, which, beyond its collective dimension, also implies individual freedoms.

However, he stressed, the concept of democracy has not evolved enough in the traditional corpus to the point of including the citizens' choice of their governors, far from a submission relation. From a metaphysical viewpoint, the minister said Muslims have approached freedom in the prism of their direct relation with the creator.

Ulema's integration in a democratic society is intrinsically linked to their active participation to moralizing democracy and lending it a spiritual
dimension, he said stressing that the prestige enjoyed by the Islamic scholars makes possible their involvement in moralizing democracy and
highlighting its convergence with the humanitarian values of Islam.

This new role, he stressed, will confirm the unique model under construction in Morocco, thanks to the status of Amir Al-Mouminine institution (commander of the faithful) which guarantees that Islamic scholars are actually part of the collective efforts to develop the state's structures, promote democracy, culture and science in order to open large perspectives before the mounting generations.

Ulema were also urged to fully comprehend the positive aspects of transparency in the management of Muslims' affairs as long as there are no
explicit contradiction with religious teachings.

While Ulema used to apprehend their role within a specific field and sparse initiatives, they are presently integrated in the "Amir Al Muminine"
institution, that entitles them to act within a comprehensive vision through the higher council and regional councils of Ulema and to harmonize their
efforts, through their contribution in an experience for the success of which the moral support of Ulema is essential, the lecturer explained. C MAP 2004
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm
-----------------------------------------------------

Over Seven million Mobile Phone Subscribers in Morocco
RABAT, Mar.02 - There are about 7.4 million subscribers to the mobile phone in Morocco, said on Tuesday general manager of the Moroccan telecoms regulatory agency (ANRT), Mohamed Benchaaboun. The mobile phone market in Morocco is shared between Maroc-Telecom, in which
French Vivendi holds 35% of shares and that also operates the land phone network and Meditel, a Morocco-Spanish-Portuguese consortium.

While Maroc-Telecom has seen its subscribers rise from 4.6 million subscribers in 2002 to 5.2 million in 2003, i.e. a 13.4% rise, Meditel's subscribers reached around 2.2 million in 2003, against 1.6 million in 2002 (+34.4%). Land phone subscriptions, which had witnessed a regression in the last three years, shored up again in 2003 with a 8.1% rise, he said. For the ANRT, development of services, especially of data transfer and
enterprises' IT, requires carrying on the liberalization of the sector. C MAP 2004
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Big boost for Morocco's quake relief efforts
March 05 2004
The African Development Bank has donated $500 000 (about R3-million) to Morocco for relief after a devastating earthquake in February, the bank
announced on Friday. Spokesperson Chawki Chahed said in a statement from Tunis the bank was highly moved by the magnitude of the earthquake and the subsequent loss of human lives and property, and had therefore decided to approve the grant. "The assistance, obtained from the Special Emergency Relief Fund of the ADB, is intended to meet part of the foreign currency cost of humanitarian aid for the victims of the earthquake," Chahed said. He said the bank would send experts to Morocco to assess the emergency assistance interventions that could be taken by the bank.

"The objective of the mission will be to collect information on the inventory of human and material destruction, prepare estimates of the needs
of the population affected by the disaster and discuss the priority areas of intervention with the government," Chahed said. The bank has been operating in Morocco since 1970 and has committed about $4,6-billion to the country. The bank has members in more than 70 states across the world. At least 570 people were reported to have been killed in the quake that hit the Al Hoceima region of the country on February 23. The region has suffered at least 200 aftershocks since. - Sapa
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=68&art_id=qw1078481884498B256&set_id=1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Air Force brings aid, experts to Morocco
by Tech. Sgt. Bob Purtiman
U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs

3/1/2004 - AL HOCEIMA, Morocco (AFPN) -- In the early hours of Feb. 24, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck the Al Hoceima Province in northern Morocco. Within the next few hours, two smaller aftershocks measuring 4.3 and 4.1 shook the remote region. Initial reports indicated more than 570 people were killed and 405 injured.

On Feb. 28, the United States joined an international-relief effort when a C-130 Hercules assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, touched down at Nador Airport. The aircraft carried four pallets of critical medical supplies and a Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team from the U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany.

Within hours of the EUCOM crew touchdown, Utah Air National Guard airmen arrived with blankets and additional medical supplies. The Guard's
involvement is based on a new program, the State Partnership Program, which aligns U.S. allies with a state.

Led by Army Lt. Col. Terry Hoyt, the survey team comprises experts in humanitarian assistance, medicine, logistics and engineering. Working with
the U.S. State Department's office of foreign disaster assistance, the team's mission was to determine to what extent the United States could
contribute to the effort.

"The earthquake was pretty large in magnitude. The epicenter was located in the straights of Gibraltar in the Mediterranean Ocean," Colonel Hoyt said. "We were fortunate in a sense that the earthquake mostly affected rural areas, the numbers of dead and injured aren't as high as if the quake would have hit a population center. "Our mission was to make sure that OFDA ... has the situation under control," he said. "If there is anything else EUCOM can offer to the effort, we will do that through the proper channels."

According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the most affected areas are rural villages near Al Hoceima, where thousands of people live in mud brick buildings unable to withstand a major tremor.

"Because the death toll is under 1,000, with 15,000 displaced families, OFDA is able to handle this situation," Colonel Hoyt said. "We need to be down here to ensure in fact, they don't need EUCOM help. Had this been a huge magnitude quake similar to the one in Iran a month ago, we would have come here with much more support."

Support to Morocco is nothing new to the United States, said Marine Lt. Col. Charles Brady, EUCOM humanitarian assistance branch chief. "Morocco is one of our closest friends and has long been an ally," he said. "EUCOM provides more than $400,000 annually to Morocco through its Humanitarian Assistance Program. In one quick flight, we were able to provide $150,000 in essential medical and relief supplies." The survey team will also determine what the United States can do long term.

"We will also assess what we can do when the dust settles," Colonel Brady said. "It could be rebuilding schools or medical clinics -- this would go
beyond the short-term humanitarian relief. This goes into long-term planning to improve Morocco's infrastructure."

The initial rescue effort for people trapped in rubble has been completed; however, with the amount of displaced families, there will be health
concerns, particularly from waste generated from the relief camps. "Most of the major health assessments are being done by the civilian
community," said Army Lt. Col. Jeff Melander, EUCOM force health protection officer. "Most of the supplies we brought with us are medical related. We are looking to where we can provide assistance if it is requested.

"The initial relief effort is ongoing, but it may be some time before we'll see the population health problems arise," he said. "Right now, food it
being distributed, water purification and distribution is under control, the sanitation system is stressed and the displaced populace is dispersed, not
concentrated. That's just in the populated areas; the rural and mountain regions were not assessed."

Because so many buildings collapsed and sustained damage, one of the biggest challenges will be to determine the structural integrity of the remaining ones so people can inhabit them once again, said Lt. Col. Mike Ptak, a contingency engineering officer.

Morocco, a country that is 99-percent Muslim, has been one of the United States staunchest allies in the war on terror -- a fact that the team was quick to bring up. "This is EUCOM's effort to help a friend in need and to build on an important alliance," Colonel Brady said. "We want to make a difference." (Courtesy of USAFE News Service)
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123007098
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Arrests over quake aid 'scam'.
By Pascale Harter BBC, Morocco
Two men in Morocco have appeared in court for allegedly trying to embezzle humanitarian supplies meant for thousands of earthquake victims.
The regional co-ordinator of the Red Crescent in Al Hoceima is facing trial for attempting to steal a truck-load of blankets destined for survivors.
The arrests follow angry protests by survivors in the streets of the region claiming the government withheld aid. More than 500 people were killed in last Tuesday's earthquake. A third man, an elected official, has also been arrested after police said he fired a shot in the air to disperse an angry crowd who accused him of hoarding aid supplies for his own use.

Wider claims
Communication Minister Nabil Benabdallah told the BBC the authorities would pursue to the very end any evidence that aid had been siphoned off in the aftermath of the earthquake. "The law is not to be trifled with," he said. However, the minister conceded that it was not the actions of these two men alone which had caused the local population to demonstrate on the streets during the last week. Protesters have claimed that local government itself was blocking the distribution of aid. The accusation was echoed by foreign relief workers who said bureaucracy prevented tents, blankets and food being delivered in the days immediately after the earthquake, when tens of thousands of people were camping out in the cold and rain. Several foreign emergency teams of firemen with sniffer dogs say local officials blocked them from leaving the airport to search for bodies during the crucial first 48 hours in which most earthquake victims are found alive. These two arrests may not be enough to stem the sense of outrage growing in the Moroccan and foreign press.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3526325.stm
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morocco-Mauritania road to be ready in time, contractors
Mauritania-Morocco, Economics, 2/28/2004
The US$ 24 million road to link Morocco to Mauritania will be ready in time, said Thursday chief of "Arab Contractors," Ibrahim Mahlab, whose company is taking part in the project. Mahlab told the press the section his company is in charge of will be completed in four months, as 70% has been done, in accordance with international standards.
http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/040228/2004022819.html
-----------------------------------------------------
King puts quake-orphans under state care
Morocco, Local, 3/2/2004
Morocco's King Mohammed VI of Morocco has granted the status of "Orphans in State Care" to all children who lost their parents in last Tuesday's
earthquake in Al Hoceima province, an initiative deemed "unique" by adviser to the King, Zoulikha Nasri. Royal Palace spokesman Hassan Aourid said that the monarch gave his "high instructions" to grant those orphans this status that will allow them to benefit from the financial and moral support from the state and from education, health care as well as other benefits until they reach their adulthood.

Zoulikha Nasri who is also member of the administrative board of the Mohammed V Solidarity Foundation, told MAP on Sunday that the royal
initiative "sheds light on the methodology that will be pursued for the social restructuring of this region." She said the status of Orphans in State Care will help preserve the dignity of these children.

This initiative, she added, constitutes "the starting point of the social policy and the measures to be taken" in the quake-stricken area of Al
Hoceima where aftershocks continue to be felt after last Tuesday's earthquake of a magnitude of 6.3 on the Richter scale killing 572 people and
injuring 427.

King Mohammed VI who arrived in Al Hoceima on Saturday where he pitched a camp, to closely follow the situation there, continues to tour the area with visits to hospitals and villages where he spoke to injured people and to inhabitants, a visit that was acclaimed by the population.

Meanwhile, while aid continues to pour in the region with more than 150 national and international planes having landed at Al Hoceima and
neighboring Nador airports, the Government has announced the creation of a special body to manage the aftermath of this quake and its impact on the region. The announcement was made on Sunday by the Moroccan minister of communication and the government's spokesman Nabil Abdallah who said, the decision was made "upon the high instructions of HM King Mohammed VI." This special commission will have as a task to "guarantee the supply of foodstuff, blankets and tents to the inhabitants." It will inform the public opinion on the situation there, see to the respect
of public order, and coordinate relations with non governmental organizations that will be involved in the different actions.
http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/040302/2004030228.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cleaning Up Old Wounds: The Moroccan earthquake has produced some less predictable aftershocks
By SCOTT MACLEOD AND EILEEN BYRNE
Sunday, Feb. 29, 2004
The earthquake that struck northern Morocco last week killed 572 people, injured 400 and left tens of thousands homeless. It also stirred up old
resentments in the Berber-speaking region against the central government in Rabat. Protests spread as survivors complained of the government's slow response to the disaster. "We are hungry and there is nothing to eat!" hundreds chanted in the Mediterranean coastal city of Al Hoceima.

Bitter over government repression and local corruption, people looted relief supplies. "I went to the town hall asking for blankets, but some people had stolen them and were selling them instead," said Al Hoceima resident Turiya Faylali. Government spokesman Nabil Benabdallah denied reports that authorities failed to distribute foreign relief material.

Restraint seemed essential given the historic tensions between Rabat and this remote mountainous area adjoining Morocco's northern coast. The
rebellious region was deeply mistrusted and neglected during the reign of King Hassan II. His son, King Mohammed VI, arrived on a rare visit to the
region on Saturday. Aides said he would pressure government officials to improve the relief effort.
http://www.time.com/time/europe/magazine/article/0,13005,901040308-596090,00.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

US, Morocco 'close to free trade deal'
Posted: Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Washington
The US and Morocco are close to finishing negotiations on a free trade agreement and could announce a deal soon, congressional and industry sources said. "I talked to USTR (the US Trade Representative's office) just a second ago. They said it wasn't going to happen to today, (but it's) probably going to happen tomorrow," said Elizabeth Frazee, a spokeswoman for the Entertainment Industry Coalition for Free Trade, which represents US movie, music and software industry firms. Earlier yesterday, the entertainment coalition released a statement saying the deal had already been reached. But Frazee admitted: "We jumped the gun." The agreement is expected to strengthen protections for US copyrighted goods
in Morocco and provide new opportunities for US entertainment firms to sell their products. Richard Mills, a spokesman for the US Trade Representative's office, declined to say when a deal could be struck. But a Senate aide who has been following the talks said negotiators were striving to resolve final details on wheat trade in time to make an announcement today. The deal would be the second US free trade agreement with a Muslim country. The first was with Jordan in 2000. Meanwhile, a US wheat industry officials said she expected the deal to boost US wheat exports, despite Rabat's effort to keep that commodity out of the pact. "Our guys worked really hard to make progress," said Barbara Spangler, head of the Wheat Export Trade Education Committee. "Wheat's definitely in the agreement."

The pact won't lead to free trade in wheat, but could give US wheat farmers the same shot at making sales in Morocco as their European Union
counterparts, Spangler said. A recent pact between Rabat and Brussels set a quota for EU farmers to export about 1.06 million metric tonnes of wheat to Morocco each year at reduced duties. However, the quota can fluctuate annually based on Morocco's own output. Morocco, a former French colony, imports most of its wheat from the European Union. But purchases can vary sharply from year-to-year depending on rainfall.
Morocco raised wheat import duties to 135 per cent last summer and then lowered them to 90 per cent in October. -Reuters
http://www.tradearabia.com/routes/sections/News.asp?Article=65271&Sn=ECO
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State's Grossman Praises Moroccan Reforms, Pledges Support.
United States Department of State (Washington, DC) / March 4, 2004

Currently visiting four Middle Eastern countries to discuss reform efforts Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Marc Grossman praised Morocco for its reforms in family law, its Free Trade Agreement with the United States, the release of prisoners, and the establishment of a commission on justice and reconciliation. Speaking to reporters in Al Hoceima March 1, Grossman said he had met with King Mohammed and described to him, "some of the opportunities that we see to support a reform agenda that we see coming in the next few months."

Grossman, currently on a trip to Morocco, Egypt, Bahrain and Jordan, is consulting with those governments on how the United States can best support economic, political and social reform efforts in the region. The under secretary said the Bush administration will not try to impose
reforms from the outside but will support countries that take the initiative in reforms.

"I want to be clear here, as I was to all of the people I spoke to today, that the United States of America cannot and will not impose reform from the outside. The instructions we have from our President are to support those who are pursuing reform and we recognize that reform will take many
different forms," Grossman said. Grossman said that where countries suppress modernization and freedom, terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and extremism appear.

The under secretary said the U.S. Congress has allotted a substantial amount of money to support reforms through the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), and the United States is starting to fund specific reform programs.

Grossman said the U.S. backing for Middle East reforms is not a substitute for the search for peace in the Middle East. He said the search for peace in the region remains an important U.S. concern. U.S. support for Israel has other reasons and justifications, he said. With regard to Iraq, Grossman said Iraq will regain its sovereignty July 1, but U.S. forces will remain in the country "for sometime" after that date. He said that Iraqis want to have a democratic and multi-ethnic society at peace with its neighbors, but recognize that they will need security in order to realize this.

"They are working very hard to achieve security for themselves," he said, citing ongoing efforts to build a larger police force and army. "But I
believe that we will have to assist in creating security in Iraq so that Iraqis can achieve their vision of the kind of society they wish to have,"
Grossman said.

Following is the transcript of Grossman's press conference in Morocco March 1:

U/S Grossman: Thank you all very much for coming. It's a pleasure for me to be back in Morocco and I'll say also what an honor it was to be received this morning by His Majesty.

Before I do anything else, may I first express our condolences again for the terrible loss of life and the terrible dislocation of this great tragedy.
Our hearts go out to the victims and to their families. President Bush, in person, had conveyed his condolences to His Majesty and Secretary Powell as well has conveyed our condolences to the Foreign Minister.

We came here today, along with our Ambassador and our Mission here to personally convey our solidarity with the people of Morocco. Under the
direction of the President, and Secretary Powell, and Ambassador Riley, we are very proud of the assistance we have been able to render to the people in this area. We've had seven flights arrive, and very importantly we have delivered blankets and tents, medical equipment, generators and other important elements for this recovery. We say thank you to the members of our Agency for International Development, the military and our Reserve forces for their efforts as well. I want also now to pay tribute to Ambassador Riley and his entire Mission for the job they do in representing the United States of America.

Let me tell you a little bit about the trip I am starting today in Morocco. Morocco is the first stop on a trip that will take me to Egypt and Bahrain,
Jordan, Turkey and Brussels. The purpose of this trip is to listen, to consult and to learn from the people in this region about how best the United States of America can support efforts for reform in North Africa and the Middle East.

There's a major conversation going on in the region about reform. The United States of America, under President Bush's direction, wants to be in a
position to support this reform. So for me, Morocco was a very logical first step.

We had a chance to listen to the advice of His Majesty. We had a chance to recognize the reforms undertaken here in Morocco in family law; two very successful elections; and I hope very soon the successful signing of a Free Trade Agreement which will also have an effect on reform; the release of prisoners and the establishment of a commission on justice and reconciliation.

His Majesty's advice on all these matters was, as always, very precise and very constructive. I had a chance to describe for his Majesty some of the opportunities that we see to support a reform agenda that we see coming in the next few months.

An Arab League Summit this month, and then a summit of the G-8, the United States and the European Union, and NATO, which will all take place in June. I also had a chance today to listen to the advice of members of civil society here in Morocco. I am grateful for their advice and their counsel as well.

Our President has said that reform must come from the region. So I want to be clear here, as I was to all of the people I spoke to today, that the
United States of America cannot and will not impose reform from the outside. The instructions we have from our President are to support those who are pursuing reform and we recognize that reform will take many different forms.

All countries are unique. Morocco, for example, has a unique personality. As Morocco moves forward on reform and modernization and human rights, it will do so in a way that is unique to Morocco.

We have concluded that when modernization and reform and freedom are held back, it is then that we face (Moroccans and Americans) terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, extremism, and the lack of freedom in our society.

We want to work with Morocco and others to advance the reform agenda that is coming from the region. With that, I'd be glad to take any questions that anyone might have.

Question: With regard to the $100 million that have been advertised to help the region, I understand that the first tranche of $29 million has been
released, but we aren't quite sure of the time frame, either of the first $29 million or the remaining amount. Can you shed some light on that?

U/S Grossman: We have for some time pursued what we call the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI). And we're grateful to the Congress for giving it substantial funding. And exactly, as you say, we want to take the programs in the Middle East Partnership Initiative: support for free
elections, support for women in society, support for rule of law, support for economic reform, and see what we can do to make them a part of this
conversation about reform in the Middle East.

So, for example, we look forward to the results of the Alexandria Library Conference in the middle of this month and then we'll follow that up with a
conference at the Alexandria Library as part of MEPI. So, you'll see us now start to spend this money that Congress has given us on specific programs, that both had already been foreseen by MEPI and also to support these other efforts we have. And again I say that it's worth emphasizing that this money and this effort is to support reform and not to impose reform.

Question: Don't you think that the assistance you will be providing is insufficient with regards to the assistance that you provide to Israel, and
that the population of the Arab world criticizes the unconditional support that is extended by the United States of America to the State of Israel.
(Inaudible) When are these funds going to be made available?

U/S Grossman: Let me make three points if I could. First, I think it's important to recognize that this effort we are making to support reform in
the Middle East is not a substitute for the pursuit that we have for Middle East Peace. NOT a substitute. In the same way, you can't wait to support reform until there is complete peace in the area. So Middle East peace is a very important part of our effort.

Second, I don't think that this comparison of money is really right or fair. We are focused in the Middle East Partnership Initiative on supporting
reform. And that is what we intend to do. That money will now start to flow to those people and programs that will support reform. As you know sir, our efforts to support Israel have other reasons and other justifications.

Question: FROM MAP: Honorable Under Secretary of State, when do the US forces intend to leave Iraq? Will the June deadline be respected? We would like to have a very precise answer in this regard if you please. Thank you sir.

U/S Grossman: I will give you as precise an answer as I can. Our whole effort is to respect the June 30/July 1 date. We want, on the 1st of July,
to give sovereignty back to a sovereign Iraqi government. And as Secretary Powell has said, we want to shift our representation in Iraqi from the
Coalition Provision Authority to an Ambassador and to an Embassy. I will say though sir, so that I am not misunderstood, that sovereignty will return to, that there will be a sovereign Iraqi government on the 1st of July.

But I believe sir, that there will be American forces in Iraq for sometime after the 1st of July. The Iraqis have a vision of the kind of society that
they want: a democratic society, a multi-ethnic society, a society that is at peace with its neighbors. I believe that they understand that they cannot achieve that vision without security. They are working very hard to achieve security for themselves. More policemen, a larger Iraqi Army. But I believe that we will have to assist in creating security in Iraq so that Iraqis can achieve their vision of the kind of society they wish to have.

So we will stick to our date, but there will be American forces there after that.

QUESTION: President Bush appears to be trying to boost his popularity in the Arab world, as well as in the United States, so is this initiative called
the Greater Middle East Initiative just a part of his electoral campaign?

U/S Grossman: No, this is not a campaign effort. President Bush has spoken about what he calls a "forward strategy of freedom" for the better part of a year now. And I hope that our Embassy might give you a speech that President Bush gave in Washington at the National Endowment for Democracy, a speech as well in London and also in Washington earlier in February.

In all of those you will find these themes: the importance of freedom, the importance of reform coming from the region, the fact that the United States is not interested in imposing reform, the understanding that this is a long-term project and we have to be patient, that people will choose their own unique style of democracy, and that America is committed to supporting those who pursue reform. So I don't think this has anything to do with our election. This has to do with the recognition that in this region, led by countries like Morocco, in its unique way, there is a desire for more freedom, more democracy, more human rights, and we want to support that effort.

I'll take one more.

Question: 2M television -- With regard to the assistance that has been provided by the United States of America following the events of Al Hoceima. You did thank Ambassador Riley for the efforts he has made today and for all of the efforts that have gone toward improving the image of the United States in Morocco. Does this mean that you are reconsidering a US policy toward Morocco or toward other Arab countries?

U/S Grossman. No. Our effort here is a humanitarian effort. There was an earthquake. People died. People are without their houses. People need food. They need blankets. They need tents. This is a humanitarian gesture on the part of the United States. And I will say a humanitarian gesture on the part of many other countries as well. Sometimes it's sad to say that it is tragedy that brings out generosity. But here we are. The United States and Morocco have a 200-year-old relationship. It's very strong; I believe it's going to get stronger. That's a political relationship, it's economic, it's military and today it's also humanitarian.

Thank you very much.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200403040329.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morocco, USA Finalize Free Trade Agreement
WASHINGTON, Mar.02 - Morocco and USA announced this Tuesday they have finalized a free-trade agreement, after the seventh round of negotiations held this week in Washington. Negotiations between the two countries started last January 21 in the US federal capital under the co-chairmanship of Morocco's minister-delegate for foreign affairs and cooperation, Taib Fassi Fihri, and US trade representative Robert Zoellick.

Since the plan to conclude a FTA was first announced in April 2002 during a visit to the USA by HM King Mohammed VI to Washington, the two countries' negotiators have held a series of rounds alternately in Washington and Morocco.

The establishment of a free trade area will help open new economic prospects for the two countries and stimulate foreign investment flows to Morocco, thanks to an increasingly favourable business environment. C MAP 2004
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm
------------------------------------------

FIFA WORLD CUP 2010: MOROCCO STEP UP CAMPAIGN
By Ademola Olajire Saturday, March 06, 2004
With exactly 10 weeks to go before the decision is made in Zurich of which of the jostling African countries would host the FIFA World Cup in 2010, the stakes have moved to the highest levels and competing nations are not shying away from using al tactics and tricks they deem would make the voting go in their favour. On Saturday May 15, at the FIFA House in Zurich, Switzerland, the day after the foundation laying stone of a permanent office for the world soccer-governing body, the vote would be taken of the 24 members of the FIFA executive Committee, and for the next six years, the anointed nation would enter into a rash of activities to stage the biggest footballing spectacle in the universe.

South Africa have remained in the lead for so many reasons, but the Moroccans have also stepped up their campaign to gain Africa's first World
Cup finals, with sentiment, religion and creed playing a huge fronting banner. Morocco were the first African country to bid for the hosting of the World Cup finals, as far back as 1986, when the finals were eventually awarded to Mexico following the inability of Colombia to convince FIFA that a serious epidemic, earthquake and break-out of drug wars would not affect visiting delegations. "We have been bidding to host the World Cup for more than 25 years now. The fair thing to do is give it to Morocco this time. There is just no excuse", said Nawal El Moutawakil, a major force in the Moroccan campaign team. Moutawakil shocked the athletics world when she ran a stunning race to win the Olympics women 400m hurdles gold at the Los Angeles games in 1984, and has since entered into relevance within the International Olympic Committee and her country's football World Cup bidding project. Apart from Moutawakil, the Royal Moroccan Football federation has enlisted the support of a number of former international stars, including Ahmed Faras, Mohamed Timoumi, Aziz Bouderbala, Merry Abdelaziz Krimau and Badou Zaki.

Zaki is the chief coach of the Atlas Lions, and his reputation has hit a high after leading an unsung squad to the final of the African Nations Cup
tournament in Tunisia last month. Bouderbala, Krimau and Timoumi, as well as Zaki the goalkeeping ace, were all in the Moroccan senior team that became the first African side to reach the World Cup second round in 1986, in Mexico. "Our country has everything to host the World Cup. We're a major footballing force in the globe; we have been bidding all this while and the monarchy is well-disposed to the idea. We also have a football-loving citizenry", said Zaki. Morocco also bided to host the World Cup finals in 1994 and 1998, but lost the former narrowly to the United States of America and were trounced by France for 1998.

VENUES: The Moroccan bidding team is proposing to use venues in Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Agadir, Fes, Marrakech, Tanger and Jadida.
There is a plan to build a majestic arena in Casablanca, the industrial and economic capital of the north African country. The name given to it is Grand Stade de Casablanca. Construction is expected to begin this year and end in 2007. The venue is meant to hold 95,000 persons, which would make it the largest stadium facility in Africa on completion, after the Soccer City in Johannesburg (the former FNB Stadium), which is able to take 122,000 when completed.

The Moroccan bid team has approached the campaign professionally, just like their South African counterparts, and with unfolding events of the past few weeks, there could still be everything to play for in the next 10 weeks. The team has been publishing a monthly newsletter, and made a loud presence at the recent 24th African Nations Cup finals with pitch panels and banners everywhere. You can't mistake it : Morocco 2010 Candidate Country. The Stade Meknes can seat 45,000 people when it is completed in March 2009, while the Stade Agadir, which can hold the same number of spectators, will need some renovation and should be ready in months. The Complexe Sportif de Fes is ready, and can also hold 45,000; the Stade de Marrakech is ready and has capacity for 70,000 people, while; the Stade de Tanger can hold 69,000 and underwent renovation last year. The Stade d'El Jadida can hold 45,000 and the most famous stadia in that country, the Complexe Moulay Abdallah (in Rabat) and Stade Mohamed V Casablanca can hold 52,000 and 50,000 respectively.
http://www.vanguardngr.com/articles/2002/sports/sp306032004.html

#########################################################

These postings are provided without permission of the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship, and research under the "Fair Use" provisions of U.S. Government copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the identified copyright owner.  The poster does not vouch for the accuracy of the content of the message, which is the sole responsibility of the copyright holder.