Virtual Magazine of Morocco on the Web
Morocco Week in Review 
October 23 2004

Casablanca and Chicago students asked each other's questions at a video Conference
Rural tourism "a major development focus" in Morocco, official
Illiteracy blamed for 40 percent of poverty in Morocco, official
Moroccan-A merican Customs cooperation praised by American Customs Coordinator
Morocco, China to Diversify Health Cooperation
Morocco opens over 900 schools for Amazigh language teaching
Conference discusses means to promote Amazigh culture in Morocco
Morocco extending teaching of Berber in schools
Some 142 investment projects Totaling $6 billion approved Between 1999 and 2003
European 79 Million Euro Aid to Moroccan Civil Service Reform
Over 900 cattle heads affected by Blue Tongue disease
Citrus fruits producers expect 1.28 million tons production in 2004-2005 campaign
Moroccan Gnawa Band taking part in International Cervantino Festival
Moroccan IT sector experiences rapid growth
Food aid distributed to needy people in Morocco
Ramadan: When the "Medfaa" Announces Fasting Break in Rabat (Morocco)
Morocco's Qur'an Radio to Fight Religious Extremism: Moroccan King Muhammad VI launches the new radio
Weil's Disease Germ cause of Eight Deaths in the Meknes Region, Health department.
No new case of Weils' disease reported in Moussaouia since October 15, ministry
1500 Deaths in Road Accidents since Start of the Year in Morocco
More Police for Morocco
Morocco approves investment projects worth $6 bn
Southern Spain Tastes Islamic in Ramadan.
Solidarity Campaign for Ramadan in Morocco
Initial signs of privatization in Morocco agriculture sector
HM King Mohammed VI dedicates library and research and study center at Casablanca law school
King Mohammed VI dedicates training center for women inmates in Casablanca.
King Mohammed dedicates girls and cultural centers near Casablanca. 
Stork Max alive, in Morocco
Media criticizes 'worsening' of corruption in Morocco
Transparency international hails Morocco's efforts to fight corruption
Morocco's crackdown on terrorism sets back rights progress
Arabies: Significant cut in software piracy in Morocco.
HM King chairs signing of convention on development of tourist resort northern Morocco
King condemns 'impostors' tarnishing image of Islam.

Casablanca and Chicago students asked each other's questions at a video Conference
Casablanca, Oct 22

Casablanca and Chicago students asked and answered each other's questions on their respective towns and other issues on teaching systems, as well as on Islam and fundamentalism, during a videoconference held Thursday Afternoon. The videoconference between Students of Casablanca Ben M'sick and the Chicago Walter Payton high schools was sponsored by the two towns twinning committee. The two schools signed a twinning agreement in October 2003. Chicago students mainly focused their questions on Islam, fundamentalism phenomenon, the education system in Morocco and the social and cultural life in Casablanca, while their Moroccan peers asked question on the Walter Payton high school educational system and the everyday like of Chicago. The Moroccan student tried in their answers to correct the erroneous idea of Islam in the West, stressing true Islam has nothing to do with fundamentalism.
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm 
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Rural tourism "a major development focus" in Morocco, official
Washington, Oct 22

Rural tourism in Morocco "has become a major development focus to enable the rural world benefit of the large tourist poles of the country", said Moroccan tourism ministry Secretary General, Hassan Kacimi underscoring some of the revenues are used "to protect nature", for environment preservation is key to sustainable development of countryside tourism. At a forum held here by the World Tourism Organisation (WTO - October 18 to 20), in cooperation with George Washington University, Kacimi dealt in his presentation with tourism development strategy in Morocco. Kacimi said the rural world, which has preserved authentic values and traditions, namely the natural hospitality of rural people, offers many an attraction likely to create a very appealing tourist product and destination.

The development of the product and destination help attract new customers and increase investments in rural areas, said the Moroccan official adding the objective is to reduce poverty and improve the living conditions of rural populations. He said his department has an approach plan, associating in partnership several other departments and local organisations, to foster rural tourism from the analysis stage of the potentials to the marketing of tourist products and tourist facility building.

The forum was attended by tourism ministers and senior officers of several countries, as well as professionals, researchers, moneylenders and World Bank and USAID representatives. The gathering decided to create a five million dollar fund, to be affiliated to the WTO and based in Seoul, South Korea, to promote sustainable tourism likely to help reduce poverty.
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/news/economy/eco_2f11.htm 
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Illiteracy blamed for 40 percent of poverty in Morocco, official
RABAT, Oct. 18

Illiteracy is held responsible for 40 percent of poverty in Morocco, according to the Secretary of State for Alphabetisation and Non Formal Education who said studies have shown that investment in human capital is fundamental for economic growth. Anis Birou who was interviewed Monday by Moroccan daily "Le Matin du Sahara et du Maghreb", said there was a link between the variables of adult education, the gross domestic product and the degree of poverty. The minister urged the private sector, civil society, artists, journalists and writers to sponsor the education of a child.

Quoting enquiries carried out since Morocco's independence in 1956, Anis Birou said the illiteracy rate of the people aged 10 and over, has diminished by 39 points in 38 years adding the demographic explosion in the country since that period( 2.1 percent between 1982 and 1994) did not make it easy for the generalization of education. He estimated to 11 millions, (a third of the country's population) the number of illiterates in Morocco.
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/news/economy/eco-transfer.htm 
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Moroccan-American Customs cooperation praised by American Customs Coordinator
Casablanca, Oct 14

The fruitful cooperation between Moroccan and American customs departments part of a large programme on training and technical assistance started in 2003 was highlighted here by Mrs Dixie Faries, American customs international coordinator. The programme enabled senior officers of the Moroccan customs, law enforcement and « Gendarmerie Royale » get acquainted with the latest work methods of checking at borders used by the American customs, she said.

The American official was speaking Thursday here at a ceremony held to deliver a vehicle used for checking for counterfeited and smuggled products offered by the American customs to the Casablanca-port regional directorate. Abdellatif Zaghnoun, Director General of the customs administration, said his department is willing to work more to enhance cooperation particularly in training and technical assistance on checking matters. The programme provides for a series of training sessions, seminars and other meetings held both in Morocco and the United States and accompanied by field visits to assess the actions undertaken to fight fraud and counterfeiting.
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/news/general/gen-fires.htm 
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Morocco, China to Diversify Health Cooperation
Rabat, Oct 19

Morocco and China have voiced their will to diversify and intensify health cooperation, namely in fighting epidemic and contagious diseases. At a meeting, here Monday, Moroccan Health minister Mohamed Cheikh Biadillah and visiting Chinese peer, Ma Xiaowei, agreed to enhance cooperation by sharing expertise. China will help build and install equipment and outfits in six polyclinics in Morocco as part of the cooperation and under a 195 million Dh loan agreement signed in 2001 (about 20 million dollars). Moroccan-Chinese health cooperation is ruled since 1975 by a protocol agreement, renewable every two years, the latest renewal signature took place in Rabat on September 19, 2003.
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/home_dep/h_dep22.htm 
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Morocco opens over 900 schools for Amazigh language teaching
RABAT, Oct.20

Morocco's minister of national education, higher education, vocational training and scientific research said this Wednesday 930 schools were opened for the teaching of Amazigh (Berber language). Habib El Malki told MPS during the House of Representatives' weekly question-time the number of Amazigh teachers exceed 2,000 while that of primary education inspectors has more than doubled to reach 130 inspectors.

In the perspective of generalizing Amazigh teaching, the ministry has crafted a program to encompass all the education levels by September 2008, he said explaining that the program projects to increase starting 2006 by 20% the number of primary schools and by 33% the number of secondary schools that teach Amazigh. He further explained that the plan to integrate Amazigh in primary education includes the training of the staff in charge of preparing the didactic literature.
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm 
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Conference discusses means to promote Amazigh culture in Morocco
Rabat, Oct 18

A conference, held Saturday in Rabat, reviewed the results of the action taken to promote the Amazigh culture in Morocco and discussed the prospects of the development of Tamazight, language of the Berbers (Imazighen) of North Africa. The Royal Institute for the Amazigh Culture (IRCAM) contemplates holding meetings in the coming months with Amazigh associations and civil society representatives to this aim, said Ahmed Assid, IRCAM representative before the conference on "Amazighity in the aftermath of the Ajdir speech: results and prospects." Assid told the conference the Amazigh language is heading to standardisation of the many dialects of this language as part of a five-year programme to standardize Berber school books.

The conference, that discussed means to carry on the efforts to enhance the Amazigh culture and language, kicked off the second round of the meetings (October 16 through 18) held by the Association for the commemoration of the Royal speech of Ajdir (ACDA). The ACDA was created in 2003 to commemorate every year the Royal speech, addressed by King Mohammed VI on October 17, 2001. "The Royal Institute of the Amazigh Culture will, through the fulfilment of the mission vested on it to preserve and promote the Amazigh culture and consolidate its rank in the national educational, socio-cultural and media space, give a new momentum to this culture as (...) a source of pride for all Moroccans," said the sovereign in the speech http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm 
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Morocco extending teaching of Berber in schools
Oct 21, 2004 (Al-Bawaba via COMTEX)

Teaching of the Berber language in Morocco, Aamazigh, received a boost with the creation of 930 "new" schools, which changed their main language of instruction for the start of the school year 2004-2005. The Moroccan education minister Habib Malki, has now announced in front of the Moroccan Parliament, Wednesday 20 October that the plan will be extended by 2008 in both primary and secondary schools. As of 2006, there will be a 20% increase in the number of schools and 33% in the number of colleges teaching in Amazigh. (albawaba.com) By Al-Bawaba Reporters (C) 2004 Albawaba.com, All rights reserved.
http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm?id=295w7935&section=Countries&page=Morocco&channel=All%20Morocco%20News&objectid=22403786-8F1A-11D4-867000D0B74A0D7C 
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Some 142 investment projects Totaling $6 billion approved Between 1999 and 2003
Rabat, Oct 20

Some 142 investment projects amounting to 57 billion Dhs, $6 billion, were approved by the Investment Commission between 1999 and 2003, said minister of economic and general affairs, Rachid Talbi Alami. Alami told the Upper House of Parliament, at a question time session, these investments are likely to favour the creation of 73.000 jobs. He said that a specialized commission ensure the follow up of the implementation of the investment projects and could intervene in case of any problem. Alami stressed that the investment issue is one of the key working fields set up by the governement to deal with any problem facing investors, namely by administrative procedure simplification and the creation of regional investment centers. The Investment Commission, created in 1998 and chaired by The Prime minister, aims to adopt investment projects and agreements, signed by the government and investors and to speed up investment pace.
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm 
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European 79 Million Euro Aid to Moroccan Civil Service Reform
Rabat, Oct 22

Morocco and the European union signed here Friday a funding convention providing 79 million Euros for the implementation of the support programme of the civil service reform in Morocco (PARAP). With the new aid, the European assistance to Morocco, as part of the Meda II programme for the 2000-2004 period, totals 596 million Euros. The convention was signed by Moroccan finances minister, Fathallah Oualalou, and chief of the European Commission representation in Morocco, Ambassador Sean Doyle. Oualalou said, at the signing ceremony, administrative reform has become an imperative in Morocco to face the changes going on at the international level, namely market opening and modernisation speeding pace. In addition to the European assistance, the support programme to the reform of the civil service in Morocco is also backed by the World Bank
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm 
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Over 900 cattle heads affected by Blue Tongue disease
RABAT, Oct.19

Some 971 cattle heads were reported affected by the Blue Tongue disease since last September 16 when the condition first appeared in Morocco, says the ministry of agriculture, rural development and sea fisheries. However, the source says, the average morbidity rate went down from 8.2% to 6.2% this week while breeders report a mortality of 1.2% of animals affected by the viral disease.

Meanwhile, the virus responsible for this disease, also called catarrhal fever, has been serotyped and sequenced, says the source. The virus is of the serotype 4 which existed even before it appeared in Morocco in some North mediterranean countries. This serotype has large similarities with the one existing in Corsica. A surveillance committee was set up to follow up the situation of cattles nationwide, monitor the appearance of new cases and propose health measures. Morocco has also contacted health authorities in Spain in order to bring to Morocco Spanish experts and specialists.
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/home_dep/h_torture.htm 
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Citrus fruits producers expect 1.28 million tons production in 2004-2005 campaign
RABAT, Oct.22

The association of producers and exporters of citrus fruits (ASPAM) expects citrus fruits production to reach 1.28 million tons in the
2004-2005 season. This production would be a progression of 13% as compares to the previous campaign (1.12 million tons). The association secretary general, Mohamed Derrab, also noted that the high temperatures of October have affected the quality and the quantity of citrus fruits production, particularly in regions of the center. The weather also caused a delay in the exportation season, mainly in the Souss region (southwestern) which accounts for 50% of Morocco's exports of citrus fruits. http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm 
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Moroccan Gnawa Band taking part in International Cervantino Festival
Mexico City, Oct 16

The Moroccan Gnawa "As'Safae" band will perform in the Mexican town of Guanajuato on October 18 as part of the 32 edition of the ongoing International Cervantino Festival (Spanish acronym FIC), opened on October 6 and due to wrap up on October 24. The participation in the Mexican arts festival of the Moroccan Gnawa band, scheduled to also perform in other Mexican towns under the direction of Abdelkader Amlil, was initiated by the Moroccan embassy in Mexico City in collaboration with the Moroccan culture ministry.

The first Moroccan participation in the festival took place in 1999 when Morocco was represented by "le conservatoire de l'Institut de Meknès pour la musique Andalouse". In 2003, the « Ibn Arabi » chanted Moslem mystical Sufi songs at the festival. More than one thousand artists from Mexico and from 43 countries are taking part in the festival featuring diverse art genres: drama, music, dances, opera, plastic arts... According to festival organizers the festival will be viewed on TV channels by some 70 million people in Mexico and some 17 million Hispanics living in the United States.
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/home_dep/benh_2.htm 
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Moroccan IT sector experiences rapid growth
Oct 18, 2004 (Al-Bawaba via COMTEX)

The local Moroccan press has published a series of statistics on growth in the IT industry. This has been accompanied by an investigation by the Paris-based Middle East magazine Arabies Trends. Sales of PCs in Morocco have risen by 20%. Unlike neighboring countries, Algeria and Tunisia, Morocco has experienced a considerable decrease in piracy levels. The International Planning and Research Center estimates that pirate software in Morocco reached 82% in 1994 but dropped to 58% en 2002. According to the International Planning and Research Center, the international rate is 39%. Morocco has achieved by active government controls. The director of Microsoft responsible for North Africa was quoted by the magazine as saying that he respects government efforts to reduce pirating, noting that pirating only hurts technological development and the national
economy. (menareport.com) By Mena Report Reporters (C) 2004 Albawaba.com, All rights reserved.
http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm?id=292w1164&section=Countries&page=Morocco&channel=All%20Morocco%20News&objectid=22403786-8F1A-11D4-867000D0B74A0D7C 
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Food aid distributed to needy people in Morocco
Oct 19, 2004 (Al-Bawaba via COMTEX)

The Mansih Group, in Skherat Tamarah, has been distributing food aid to mark the holy month of Ramadhan, under the aegis of the Moroccan monarch, King Muhammad VI, as symbol of solidarity and social responsibility. According to IINA, the targeted recipients of the aid are mostly needy people, particularly women, widows, the elderly and the disabled, and not less than 2.5 million are set to benefit, say a total of 465,000 families. Each food parcel contains all the essential foodstuffs and costs soem MD 110, while the total cost is MD50.7 million. A workforce of 8,800 has been mobilized for the distribution of the aid, and each district has set up a committee for the same purpose. (albawaba.com) By Al-Bawaba Reporters (C) 2004 Albawaba.com, All rights reserved.
http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm?id=293w2989&section=Countries&page=Morocco&channel=All%20Morocco%20News&objectid=22403786-8F1A-11D4-867000D0B74A0D7C 
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Ramadan: When the "Medfaa" Announces Fasting Break in Rabat (Morocco)
Aps 18/10/04] Rabat

Preceded by a surrealistic silence that wraps up the whole city of Rabat, a couple of seconds before the muezzin, the deafening roar of a cannon announces fasting break throughout the holy month of Ramadan. In Hassan district in the heights of Rabat, overhanging the distant Bou-Regreg banks, fasting break is always announced by the good old cannon shot. "Yes, out here there's still the cannon shot before the muezzin to announce the end of fasting," says a quite surprised resident, Smail.

In Rabat, Salé and many other cities in Morocco, the "canon shot" tradition announcing fasting break is still maintained like a surviving past when muezzins didn't have loudspeakers to announce the time of Iftar (fasting break). The cannon shot is also heard each morning to announce, always a couple of seconds before the muezzin, the start of fasting for the day. It's only after the "medfaa" (canon shot) that the muezzin announces the morning (Sobh) or sunrise (Maghreb) prayers. "This practice has been on for long," pointed out Smail, while his neighbour, a freshman, explains that "there's always one cannon shot to announce Iftar to fasting people." The survival of the mythical Moroccan canon shot, which vanished elsewhere in the Maghreb, including Algeria, is one of the amusing and interesting social and culinary sights during Ramadan in Morocco. Indeed, Moroccans are known in the Maghreb to break fasting with a few dates, eggs and the famous "H'rira", a spicy sauce cooked with flour, slightly orange that only pure saffron can produce. But the old tradition in Morocco is that people have dinner only after the evening prayers (Tarawih). One of the reasons is that the faithful can make their prayers without being stuffed. (62377)
http://www.aps.dz/an/pageview.asp?ID=73769 
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Morocco's Qur'an Radio to Fight Religious Extremism: Moroccan King Muhammad VI launches the new radio
By Abdul Hafez Al-Seretti, IOL Correspondent
RABAT, October 20 (IslamOnline.net)

The launch of a Qur'an radio in Morocco by the advent of the holy month of Ramadan is a bid to remove the mix-up between Islam and terrorism and purge the religious discourse from fanaticism, Moroccan analysts said on Wednesday, October 20. "King Mohammad VI Qur'an Radio comes to underline and underscore that Islam has nothing to do with terrorism as parroted by some western media," Moroccan journalist Mohammad Al-Sharqi told IslamOnline.net. "We are indeed in a dire need to present a comprehensive concept about Islam, away from fanaticism and extremism."

King Mohammad VI launched on Saturday, October 16, the new enlightening radio. The radio's programs will focus on a message of tolerance and openness inspired from the holy Qur'an and the Sunna (prophet's deeds) in Arabic, French and Amazigh (Berber language). The new radio is operating under the supervision of the Moroccan Ministry of Habous (public endowments) and Islamic Affairs, and the national radio RTM. It will be broadcast 10 hours a day during Ramadan to some Moroccan cities such as Rabat, Casablanca, Fes, Marrakesh and Tagier. It will later be extended to cover the whole Moroccan cities and some African countries.

Shield

Moroccan analysts said the new radio serves as a shield for the young Moroccans against fanaticism and fundamentalism. It will further help clear the fog that enveloped the world since the September 11 attacks and the Casablanca bombings, they added. The radio is part of an all-inclusive plan set up by the Moroccan monarch to revamp the domain of religious affairs in the kingdom following the Casablanca bombings, according to observers.

King Mohammed VI unveiled last May a strategy aimed at restructuring of the Ministry of Habous (public endowments) and Islamic Affairs and establishing two directorates to supervise education and mosques. "The launch of the new radio comes as part of a new policy following the bloody Casablanca bombings, reflecting the importance of the mass media in preserving the unity of the predominant Maleki religious school in Morocco and presenting the true essence of Islam," political analyst Zakareya Melod told IOL. To prove successful, he added, the radio should be based on qualified media cadres, state-of-the-art communications technology and good finance.

In five nearly simultaneous attacks http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2003-05/17/article01.shtml  on the evening of May 16, booby-trapped cars exploded outside an international hotel, a Jewish cultural center and an Italian restaurant, while bombers blew themselves up at a Spanish club and an abandoned Jewish cemetery, all in downtown Casablanca. Moroccan investigators concluded that the attacks in Casablanca were organized by Salafia Jihadia, which mainly recruits among residents of poor suburbs in cities such as Casablanca, but they have not ruled out participation by international groups.
http://www.islam-online.net/English/News/2004-10/20/article03.shtml 
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Weil's Disease Germ cause of Eight Deaths in the Meknes Region, Health department.
Health, 10/16/2004

All clinical signs and the first biological analyses regarding the death of eight people, in Moussaouia district, 30 km of Meknes, out of a grey rat transmitted disease show the disease was caused by the leptospirosis-ictero-hemorragic germ (Weil's disease).

The health ministry explained the infectious disease is transmitted by the grey rat to man by direct contact to the rodent urine or tissue or contaminated water or soil. Its symptoms are severe fever, hepatitis with jaundice and haemorrhage. The Eight people died following symptoms of fever, nausea and icterus, the Moroccan health ministry said. The health department said 26 other persons showed the same symptoms. Seven of them were hospitalized on October 12-13 in Mohammed V Hospital in Meknes where they are still under health care. The conditions of other patients have improved and the situation is under control, said the same source. A special medical team went Monday to Moussaouia to find out the reasons of the death of the eight persons and to seek eventual cases that were not declared. Prophylactic measures have been taken, said the health ministry, noting that medical tests have been conducted on inhabitants of Moussaouia, who were also sensitized about the situation.
http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/041016/2004101619.html 
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No new case of Weils' disease reported in Moussaouia since October 15, ministry
Rabat, Oct 20

"No new case of the leptospirosis-ictero-hemorragic disease was reported in the Moussaouia district since october 15th ", said the Moroccan health ministry on Tuesday. A communiqué of the ministry recalled that only 35 cases of the Weil's disease were diagnosed during the September 1st and October 15th period, denying media reports that the spread of the disease was going on.

Medical teams have been daily monitoring the situation in Moussaouia, 30 km of the Central town of Meknes, while a host of other measures were taken to eradicate the disease, the communiqué said By mid-October, the ministry had diagnosed the disease saying all clinical signs and biological analyses regarding the death of eight people, in Moussaouia district, out of a grey rat transmitted disease show the disease was caused by the leptospirosis-ictero-hemorragic germ (Weil's disease). The health ministry explained the infectious disease is transmitted by the grey rat to man by direct contact to the rodent urine or tissue or contaminated water or soil. Its symptoms are severe fever, hepatitis with jaundice and haemorrhage. The Eight people had died following symptoms of fever, nausea and icterus, the Moroccan health ministry said.
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/home_dep/mad_2throne.htm 
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1500 Deaths in Road Accidents since Start of the Year in Morocco
Oct 20, 2004 (Al-Bawaba via COMTEX)

There have been 20,000 road accidents and 1500 killed in Morocco since the start of the year, according to statistics published by the Moroccan authorities, Tuesday, October 19. Thousands more have been injured. This represents a considerable increase in the number of accidents from last year. It is believed 3870 people were killed in road accidents last year and the average for the number killed in road accidents the past few years has been consistently over 3000. The Moroccan ministry of transport has responded by trying to implement stricter speed limits and more police presence on the streets. By Al-Bawaba Reporters (C) 2004 Albawaba.com, All rights reserved.
http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm?id=294w5564&section=Countries&page=Morocco&channel=All%20Morocco%20News&objectid=22403786-8F1A-11D4-867000D0B74A0D7C 
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More Police for Morocco
Oct 20, 2004 (Al-Bawaba via COMTEX)

An urban security campaign is being launched comprising four groups of 200 more experienced police officers being placed on the streets of the major cities. Each unit will have 8 motorbikes, four cars as well as an armored vehicle. Abdelaziz Samel, director of human resources of the police, said that two units will be deployed in Rabat, three units in Casablanca and one unit in Marrakech. In a later stage, they hope to cover more cities. Plans are being made for 6,400 police in 32 groups by the end of 2006. There are also plans to increase safety on the road, which claims thousands of lives a year. Youssef Tahiri Jouti, the former minister of energy and mines was killed in a traffic accident on the Casablanca-El Jadida road earlier this week. (albawaba.com) By Al-Bawaba Reporters (C) 2004 Albawaba.com, All rights reserved.
http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm?id=294w5572&section=Countries&page=Morocco&channel=All%20Morocco%20News&objectid=22403786-8F1A-11D4-867000D0B74A0D7C 
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Morocco approves investment projects worth $6 bn
Rabat, 21 Oct 04 (WAM)

Some 142 investment projects amounting to Dhs 57 billion ($6 billion) were approved by the Investment Commission between 1999 and 2003, said Minister of Economic and General Affairs, Rachid Talbi Alami. Alami told the Upper House of Parliament, at a question time session, these investments are likely to favour the creation of 73.000 jobs. He said that a specialized commission ensures the follow up of the implementation of the investment projects and could intervene in case of any problem.

Alami was quoted by Arab Maghreb news agency (MAP) as saying : ''the investment issue is one of the key working fields set up by the governement to deal with any problem facing investors, namely by administrative procedure simplification and the creation of regional investment centers. The Investment Commission, created in 1998 and chaired by The Prime minister, aims to adopt investment projects and agreements, signed by the government and investors and to speed up investment pace.
http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=67473 
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Southern Spain Tastes Islamic in Ramadan.
By Al-Amin Andalusi, IOL Correspondent
MADRID, October 20 (IslamOnline.net)

Ramadan has a special Islamic taste is southern Spain where the scent of good old days of Islam is still fresh in the last bastions of Muslim Andalusia. Even Spaniards in that area enjoy different characteristics from the rest of the Spanish population. The Baizin neighborhood in Granada, during Ramadan, is very similar to old neighborhoods in Damascus (Syria) or Casablanca (Morocco). Walking through its streets, Ramadan pastries, religious cassettes and books, along with high numbers of veiled women could not be termed "out of place". In the Spanish area closer to Morocco known as "the Green Island" by the Mediterranean, near Gibraltar, many restaurants owned by Moroccans tend to serve fasting Muslims. They prepare Ramadan specials, especially that little Island contains the largest harbor in southern Spain and hundreds of traveling Muslims use it
daily. Many of them are forced either to break their fast or get ready for next day's dawn-to-dusk fast by eating Suhur there. Local Spaniards there are used to the habits of traveling Moroccans more than any one else. They could tell Ramadan was there by the smell of certain meals coming out of restaurants on the Island or even houses inhabited by immigrant Muslims thereon. One of the Moroccan residents of the Green Island, Ahmed Aznak, told IslamOnline.net Wednesday, October 20, that Ramadan almost felt the same on the island or in Morocco. "I feel no difference. It's simple though. If I feel bored, I can just board a boat and break my fast in Tangier in no more than two hours. It's just 14 kms".

City of Dreams
The pearl of southern Spain, Marbella, or "City of Dreams" as its visitors call it, is considered one of the cities where Muslim immigrants enjoy the best atmosphere of harmony and tranquility during this holy month. Its streets are never free, summer or winter, from Arab visitors. It also has a big, very elegant mosque. During Ramadan, Mawaid Arrahman (charitable breakfast banquets in the street) are also abundant. Hameed, a Moroccan resident of Marbella since the mid 1980s, says: "In the past, there was too much food during Ramadan carried to mosques by charitable people. We used to eat little, the rest was usually thrown away as the next day more fresh food was brought in. "I used to resent this. Ramadan is not a month of food, it's rather for fasting to feel what the poor suffer. Thank God such bad habits are decreasing now."

North Less Fortunate
Such Ramadan spirit becomes less visible in northern Spain. In big cities, like Madrid or Barcelona, only mosques and small prayer rooms give the sense of this holy month. In Barcelona city, northeast province of Catalonia, a conference was held last week, attended by some 200 imams of the regions' mosques. The conferees declared their intention to hold an open day annually in Catalonia to allow non-Muslim residents to visit mosques of the Muslim community, seeking better harmony and understanding. Head of the Islamic Cultural Center in Catalonia, Ahmed bin Allal, said "More than 200 representatives of Muslim communities in the province declared their commitment to open mosques and prayer rooms that amount to 180 to the rest of Catalonia residents one day a year." The conferees have not set a certain day for the event, but it is widely agreed it would be Eid Al-Fitr (the day that follows the end of Ramadan).

Big Mosque
Such a procedure does not, however, conceal the hardships Catalonia Muslims face due to the lack of a big mosque where their increasing numbers could meet, especially in Ramadan. Islamic societies in Catalonia took the chance of Ramadan this year to repeat their demand to the Spanish authorities to facilitate their task of building a big mosque. Their repeated calls have fallen on deaf ears during the past years. Muslims of Catalonia want nothing from the local government but to facilitate administrative procedures. As for financing, they say they can handle everything on their own. Ramadan comes this year following the March train bombings http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2004-03/11/article02.shtml in Madrid that killed some 202 people and wounded some 150 others. Muslims have been negatively affected by the terrorist acts as some right-wing currents insist threats against Spain come from the south; a reference to immigrants coming from the Arab, Muslim Maghreb. Daily political wrangling between left and right wings in Spain also witness repetitions of words like "Islam", "terror", "immigrants", emphasizing the
three pose a threat to the country. http://www.islam-online.net/English/News/2004-10/20/article08.shtml 
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Solidarity Campaign for Ramadan in Morocco
Oct 21, 2004 (Al-Bawaba via COMTEX)

The Solidarity Campaign of Morocco, organized by the Mohammed V Foundation (in honor of the former King and father of the present King) is to be launched Friday 22 October at Fez at the Jnan Palace. The campaign will distribute foodstuffs to the poor in honor of the sacred month of Ramadan. It is traditional for governments in the Arab world to launch such campaigns, and in particular in Morocco, where the there is some degree of bitterness towards the luxury of the lifestyle of the Royal Family compared to the poverty in most of the country. (albawaba.com)
By Al-Bawaba Reporters (C) 2004 Albawaba.com, All rights reserved.
http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm?id=295w7574&Section=Countries&page=Morocco&channel=All%20Morocco%20News&objectid=22403786-8F1A-11D4-867000D0B74A0D7C 
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Initial signs of privatization in Morocco agriculture sector
Oct 21, 2004 (Al-Bawaba via COMTEX)

Twenty-four agricultural cooperatives and milk distribution centers in Morocco are now midway through a detailed audit in the town of El Jadida, spearheaded by the Office of Development and Cooperation. The campaign began 11 October and is continuing until 2 November. With claims of inefficiency , the audit is intended to check management and production techniques to stop deficits and to formulate recommendations to improve the state of the agricultural and dairy sector in the region. In separate developments, SODEA, the agricultural development company is being privatized and for the first time the private sector is allowed to form partnerships with the state, according to the Moroccan minister of agriculture, Mohand Laenser. There are plans to overhaul the Moroccan agriculture sector which is considered a central sector to relieve poverty and create more jobs.(menareport.com) By Mena Report Reporters (C) 2004 Albawaba.com, All rights reserved.
http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm?id=295w7569&Section=Countries&page=Morocco&channel=All%20Morocco%20News&objectid=22403786-8F1A-11D4-867000D0B74A0D7C 
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HM King Mohammed VI dedicates library and research and study center at Casablanca law school
CASABLANCA, Oct.20

HM King Mohammed VI dedicated this Wednesday a university compound, comprising a library and a research and economic, legal and social studies center at the law school of the Hassan II university in Casablanca. The university built and equipped by Haj Ghali Berrada, a private patron, cost a budget 12.8 million DH (1.3 million Euro). The compound comprises a conference room, equipped with state-of-the-art techniques, a room for teachers and researchers, a computer center, an internet space and a multi-usage space.

The sovereign then toured the library which contains 1,000 references, including some precious ones like a book dating back to 1841 featuring correspondences on relations between France and North Africa. A total of 35,000 students studying at the Hassan II university's institutes, faculties and higher schools will have access to the library.
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/home_dep/h_depjulyFTA.htm 
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King Mohammed VI dedicates training center for women inmates in Casablanca.
Local, 10/20/2004

Morocco's King Mohammed VI dedicated this Tuesday a vocational training center at the females pavilion of the prison of Ain sebaa, Casablanca. The project, carried out by the Mohammed VI foundation for the reintegration of prisoners, is part of a broader pilot project for the social and professional rehabilitation of prisoners set forth by the foundation, the department in charge of vocational training and the office of vocational training and work promotion (OFFPT). The Ain Sebaa prison hosts 366 female prisoners and comprises several administrative, social and health structures.

After following a welcome artistic performance by detainees, the sovereign unveiled the commemorative plate of the new center that cost 2.83 million DH (283,000 Euro), including 1.05 million (105,000 Euro) for the renovation of buildings and equipment. In the 2004-2005 academic year, some 125 women held in this prison will have access to training courses in hair-dressing, make-up and face care, sewing, tapestry, traditional sewing, cooking and catering, embroidery and computer sciences.

The pilot program for the social and professional rehabilitation of prisoners, for which a budget of 70 million DH (7 million Euro) was allocated, comprises vocational training programs, anti-illiteracy courses, religious, sports and socio-cultural activities as well as the psycho-therapeutic and social follow-up of inmates. The pilot project is carried out with the support of numerous local partners, including the ministries of national education of culture and of agriculture, the department in charge of literacy and informal education and the secretariat in charge of youth. It has also received international backing for the development of human resources, the creation of a job-search mechanism, and the implementation of an appropriate curriculum.
http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/041020/2004102017.html 
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King Mohammed dedicates girls and cultural centers near Casablanca. 
Culture, 10/22/2004

Morocco's King Mohammed VI dedicated this Thursday in Dar Bouazza (17 km south of Casablanca), a girls and a cultural center, two projects carried out by the Mohammed V solidarity foundation. The girls center, built in partnership with "Maroc 2020" association, is destined to host cultural and training activities for 400 poorest girls of the region. The project, which cost 1.5 million DH (15,000 euro) entirely financed by the foundation, consists of classrooms, a library and a multimedia space.

At Benabid village of the same commune, the sovereign dedicated a youth center that seeks to ensure socio-professional integration to 300 young people of the region. The facility cost 1.2 million DH (12,000 Euro), a budget provided by the Mohammed V solidarity foundation. It consists of a multi-usage room, a library and a multi-media room.

The two projects are part of the foundation's 2004-2008 strategy that gives greater priority to training projects, especially those targeting the poorest youth. The centers, to be managed by "Maroc 2020," will give training adapted to the region's needs, initiate the youth to the new information technologies, raise the youth awareness of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and promote projects that favor financial autonomy and lasting development. They will also give to young unemployed diploma-holders further training. In the last years, the Foundation has invested some 128 million DH (12.8 million Euro) in the building, equipment and revamping of training, cultural and integration centers nationwide.
http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/041022/2004102222.html 
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HM King Mohammed VI launches construction of center for homeless children
FES, Oct.22

HM King Mohammed VI launched this Friday the construction of a center for abandoned children, a project of the Mohammed V solidarity foundation. The center will be receiving abandoned children aged above 7 and extend them psycho-pedagogical support and a training to facilitate their integration in society. The center, financed by the foundation at a cost of 2.5 million DH (25,000 euro) will be carried out in partnership with the Moroccan league of children protection and the Moroccan government. It will include dorms, restaurants, workshops, a kitchen, green spaces and other dependencies.

The sovereign was accompanied by Bernadette Chirac, spouse of the French president, Sheik Mohamed Syed Tantaoui, Imam of Al Azhar university of Cairo, Maria Pia Fanfani, chairwoman of the "Together for Peace" foundation, and Mustapha Bousmina, science professor at the Laval university, in Canada, and recipient of the prestigious Canadian Steacie prize.
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm 
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Stork Max alive, in Morocco
Geneva, OCT. 21

Max, the marked out white Stork, is alive and is in Morocco, assured Wednesday the Fribourg Museum of Natural History noting that although the antenna of its beacon is strongly damaged, the satellites receive signals again. Thanks to the assistance of the specialists in Argos, his way since September 23 could be reconstituted. "We do not know when Max left its site of nesting (it was observed in Salem on August 30, 2004), but since September 23, at the latest, it was in Fès (Morocco) where it had already spent winter 2003/04."

At the beginning of October, it went to Meknès before moving towards the North-West, and is, for two weeks now, in Sidi Kacem. Max, the most known stork of the world was born in May 1999 in Avenches (VD). It was the first Swiss animal to be followed by satellites. Each year, at the end of summer, Max flies to Morocco. It nested for the first time in 2002, in Salem (Germany), not far from the lake of Constancy.
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm 
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Media criticizes 'worsening' of corruption in Morocco
RABAT, Oct. 21

Moroccan newspapers on Thursday described as "worsening" the situation of corruption in the country which, with a 3.2 score, regressed to the 77th position along with Egypt, Benin and Mali, as shown in the Transparency international Corruption Perceptions Index, published Wednesday.

L'Economiste daily deplored that only four years ago, Morocco ranked 45th, stressing that "it is only an issue of political will to take care, really and efficiently, of the most underprivileged people, of those who are the first victims of the decline of public services and of the degradation of the political decision-making."

Al-Bayane newspaper finds the Index alarming deeming that "the spread of corruption at all levels of the political, economic and social life, is a phenomenon that pollutes relationships and exchanges in our country." "There is no doubt that the lack of a firm policy against corruption is at the origin of its development. The State does not shoulder its responsibilities in this matter as the legislation, an indispensable tool to fight this plague, does not protect the public leaving it in a weak position
face to an omnipotent and arrogant administration."

Despite the media criticism, Chairman of Transparency International (TI), Peter Eigen, hailed the efforts made by the Moroccan government and civil society to promote transparency and fight corruption. Eigen, who presented Wednesday in London his organization's report 2004, also hailed Morocco's decision to celebrate an Anti-corruption Day.

A total of 106 out of 146 countries score less than 5 against a clean score of 10, according to the new index. Sixty countries score less than 3 out of 10, indicating rampant corruption. Corruption is perceived to be most acute in Bangladesh, Haiti, Nigeria, Chad, Myanmar, Azerbaijan and Paraguay, all of which have a score of less than 2.

"Countries with a score higher than 9, that is those with very low levels of perceived corruption, are predominantly rich countries, namely Finland, New Zealand, Denmark, Iceland, Singapore, Sweden and Switzerland. But the poorest countries, most of which are in the bottom half of the index, are in greatest need of support in fighting corruption." said the TI Chairman.

Transparency International, the only international non-governmental organization devoted to combating corruption, brings civil society, business, and governments together in a powerful global coalition. Through its International Secretariat and more than 85 independent national chapters around the world, the Berlin-based graft watchdog raises awareness about the damaging effects of corruption, advocates policy reform, works towards the implementation of multilateral conventions and subsequently monitors compliance by governments, corporations and banks.
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/news/economy/h_deplocusts.htm 
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Transparency international hails Morocco's efforts to fight corruption
LONDON, Oct. 20

President of Transparency International (TI), Peter Eigen, hailed here Wednesday the efforts made by the Moroccan government and civil society to promote transparency and fight corruption. Eigen, who presented in London his organization's report 2004 on the fight against corruption in the world, told MAP like many countries in the world, Morocco has faced problems of corruption but the government has made considerable efforts to settle this questions. The government and civil society work together to elaborate anti-corruption programs, he said, hailing Morocco's decision to celebrate an Anti-corruption Day.

Transparency International, the only international non-governmental organisation devoted to combating corruption, brings civil society, business, and governments together in a powerful global coalition. Through its International Secretariat and more than 85 independent national chapters around the world, Transparency International works at both the national and international level to curb both the supply and demand of corruption. In the international arena, the Berlin-based graft watchdog raises awareness about the damaging effects of corruption, advocates policy reform, works towards the implementation of multilateral conventions and subsequently monitors compliance by governments, corporations and banks.
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm 
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Morocco's crackdown on terrorism sets back rights progress
HRW (AFP) 21 October 2004 RABAT

A crackdown against suspected Islamic militants launched in Morocco after the suicide bombings in Casablanca last year has undermined progress made on human rights issues in the north African country in recent years, Human Rights Watch said in a report released on Thursday. In the wake of the attacks in Casablanca on May 16, 2003, which claimed 45 lives, Morocco passed a tough new terrorism law, under which 2,000 people have been arrested and charged. "The suicide bombings of May 2003 were despicable attacks on innocent civilians," said the chief of HRW's Middle East and north Africa division, Sarah Leah Whitson. "But unless authorities fight extremist violence in a way that is consistent with their public commitment to human rights, the rights of all Moroccans are at risk." The new legislation, passed just a few weeks after the Casablanca
bombings, has seriously eroded rights safeguards in Morocco, HRW said.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/theworld/2004/October/theworld_October576.xml&section=theworld 
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Morocco:Counter-terror Crackdown Sets Back Rights Progress.
(Rabat, Morocco, October 21, 2004)

Morocco's campaign against suspected Islamist militants is undermining the significant human rights progress the country has made in recent years, Human Rights Watch said in a new report <http://hrw.org/reports/2004/morocco1004/> released today. Detainees are on a fast-track to conviction because prosecutors and judges show little interest in how the police obtained their statements. Their treatment shows that the human rights advances in Morocco have largely bypassed the courts. The problems in Morocco run deeper than any one piece of legislation. Even the recent reforms to the criminal justice system have not alleviated the systemic failures to protect rights. Sarah Leah Whitson, Human Rights Watch's executive director for the Middle East and North Africa Division After suicide bombers attacked Casablanca on May 16, 2003, authorities adopted sweeping counter-terror legislation and arrested more than 2,000 suspected militants, subjecting many to threats and abuse. Suspects were held in prolonged incommunicado detention, and faced other violations of their right to due process and a fair trial.

"Detainees are on a fast-track to conviction because prosecutors and judges show little interest in how the police obtained their statements," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Human Rights Watch's executive director for the Middle East and North Africa Division. "Their treatment shows that the human rights advances in Morocco have largely bypassed the courts."

The 70-page report, "Human Rights at a Crossroads <http://hrw.org/reports/2004/morocco1004/>," features interviews with the lawyers and family members of Moroccan prisoners who said that their interrogators had subjected them to physical and mental abuse, in some cases amounting to torture, in order to extract confessions or to induce them to sign a statement they had not made. Many were held incommunicado by police beyond the legal time limit and did not have prompt access to defense counsel.

Human Rights Watch said that Morocco's counter-terror legislation, passed quickly in the wake of the Casablanca bombings, erodes rights protections. For example, the legislation extends to 12 days the time police can hold a terror suspect before he is brought before a judge, and to 10 days the time he can be held before consulting a lawyer. The legislation further introduces a sweeping definition of "terrorism" offenses, for which stiffer penalties are applicable.

"The problems in Morocco run deeper than any one piece of legislation," said Whitson. "Even the recent reforms to the criminal justice system have not alleviated the systemic failures to protect rights."

Human Rights Watch said that Moroccan courts should fulfill their role as a bulwark against abuse by rejecting evidence that is tainted by torture, improper coercion, or other serious violations of due process, and by holding the perpetrators of such abuse accountable.

The report also examines one of the positive human rights developments in Morocco, the establishment of a commission to document and provide compensation for grave abuses that the state perpetrated against dissidents and others under the rule of the king's father, Hassan II. The report describes the Equity and Reconciliation Commission as the Arab world's most serious effort yet to acknowledge and address past abuses, but expresses concern about limitations on the commission's mandate and powers. The report offers recommendations to help the commission address past abuses in a fashion that contributes more effectively to ending impunity.

Human Rights Watch urges the United States and the European Union to integrate respect for human rights in their growing security cooperation with Morocco. The recommendations also include a call for assistance in reforming the Moroccan criminal justice system while pressing the government of Morocco to make judicial independence a reality. The report also urges the United States and European countries not to extradite or otherwise forcibly return to Morocco persons suspected of terrorist offenses unless the government provides verifiable guarantees that such persons will not be subject to torture or other ill-treatment.

"The suicide bombings of May 2003 were despicable attacks on innocent civilians," said Whitson. "But unless authorities fight extremist violence in a way that is consistent with their public commitment to human rights, the rights of all Moroccans are at risk."
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2004/10/21/morocc9522.htm 
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Arabies: Significant cut in software piracy in Morocco.
Economics,10/16/2004

Morocco witnesses a significant drop in software business piracy, said the monthly magazine "Arabies" in its latest edition, citing a study of International Planning and Research. The study points out that piracy rate in Morocco has decreased from 82pc in 1994 to 58 percent in 2002 (the international rate is 39pc). These "promising results" were reached thanks to an awareness policy conducted by Moroccan authorities, said the magazine. According to Arabies, the software sector has registered a significant growth in Morocco, where the computer market has grown by 20 pc. The article, titled "Microsoft, piracy threat," notes that Morocco has voted a law against all types of software piracy, while Tunisia and Algeria have just become aware of the situation and have started awareness actions before taking repressing measures." For the director of "North Africa Microsoft," cited by the magazine, the involvement of public authorities is an additional asset to contribute to reducing piracy rate that harms the information technologies sector and national economy.
http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/041016/2004101616.html 
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HM King chairs signing of convention on development of tourist resort northern Morocco
Larache (near Tangier), Oct. 15

HM King Mohammed VI chaired, here Friday, the signing of a convention, between the Moroccan government and international groups of Orco/l'Atelier/Thomas & Piron, on the development of Lixus tourism resort in the northern city of Larache. The new project is part of "Azur Plan" on the development of tourism resorts, that will necessitate US $733 million. Lixus resort, to be operational in 2007, will require an investment of US $155 million. It extends on 462 ha and will have an accommodation capacity
of 12,000 beds.

The site aims at contributing to the social-economic development of the town of Larache and neighboring areas. The resort is expected to realize an annual turnover of US $222 million and to generate 3,800 direct jobs and 19,000 indirect jobs. Launched in July 2002, "Azur" plan is designed to create 6 resorts after the signing of an investment convention between the Moroccan government and the multinational "Palais des roses" (branch of the Saudi consortium Dalah Al Baraka) to develop Taghazout resort in the southern Atlantic city of Agadir.

In addition to Lixus, Morocco intends to build five other resorts in different regions of the country. HM the king extended decorations to several officials who contributed to the study and implementation of tourism projects. Last September, HM king Mohammed VI chaired in Ifrane a working session on the tourism sector, stressing that tourism, in addition to its economic assets, highlights values of openness, tolerance and hospitality that are the foundations of the Moroccan identity.
http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/home_dep/h_deptolerance.htm 
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King condemns 'impostors' tarnishing image of Islam.
Religion, 10/16/2004

Morocco's King Mohammed has condemned the "groups of impostors, extremists and obscurants" who try to "tarnish the image of Islam by using different subterfuges." In a message addressed to Islamic leaders to congratulate them on Ramadan, that started Friday in Morocco, the Moroccan monarch said "this is an occasion to recall the bonds uniting the Islamic nation, that is attached to the precepts of our religion in terms of tolerance, equality and brotherhood, and that bans all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism." The genuine image of Islam is that of "peace, moderation and respect of human dignity," he said.

King Mohammed VI, Amir Al Mouminine (commander of the faithful), voiced hope Islamic leaders will manage to redress the image of Islam, which "groups of impostors, extremists and obscurants try to tarnish using different subterfuges." The congratulation messages also reaffirm Morocco's constant concern to build a strong Maghreban Union that is founded on solid bases in such a way as to make it an effective regional coalition in its regional and international environment. The Union, known as UMA, was set up in 1989 by five north African countries, namely Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia. The king also renewed his country's stance in favor of a fair, lasting and global peace that would allow the Palestinian people live in freedom and dignity
http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/041016/2004101615.html 

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