Virtual Magazine of Morocco on the Web
Morocco Week in Review 
June 10 , 2006

Karen Hughes commends Morocco's democratic reforms.
Imams called to get involved in AIDS prevention, study.
Imams to be trained to play active role in AIDS/STD prevention.
Mass tourism threat to Morocco
Environment award winners to receive the honours on June 6.
Moroccan public opinion to be informed on heart diseases.
Survey: Over 87% of Moroccan elementary pupils endure physical violence.
Parliament unanimously adopts human tissue and organ donation bill.
Morocco earmarks $470m for sanitation projects over next 15 years.
Hughes visits schools, learning centres in Morocco.
Festival sets tune for world harmony.
Moroccan music festival seeks harmonious 'soul' of globalization:
Fez's Moroccan music festival celebrates diversity through music.
Sacred Music Festival, an occasion to promote the city of Fez.
Moroccan-French team excavates Roman town in Sidi Kacem.
Amazigh Film Festival: Fatima Boubekdi collects three prizes.
Moroccan prison: When inmate give free reign to their talent

Karen Hughes commends Morocco's democratic reforms.

US Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Relations, Karen Hughes, praised Monday the important reforms launched in Morocco under the conduct of King Mohammed VI. In a statement to the press, at the end of a meeting with Foreign Minister Mohamed Benaïssa, Hughes spoke highly of the reforms ushered in Morocco in several fields, which has made Morocco a model in the Arab and Islamic worlds. Hughes, who is paying a four-day visit to Morocco, evoked with Moroccan officials the "important social, political and economic reforms the kingdom has undertaken," according to the State department communiqué released on Friday. Hughes and Benaïssa talked notably about programmes of cultural and educational exchanges.

Earlier in the day, she visited in Casablanca several Moroccan NGOs involved in advancing the empowerment of women, some of which have benefited from Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) funding, such as the "Association Solidarité féminine" for single mothers, led by Aicha Ech-Chenna, and "Riwak El Fanni," an NGO that organizes cultural and educational activities for poor children.

Hughes, who arrived on Sunday, also visited the Sidi Moumen Indoor stadium, where she attended a young girls' training session part of the "Casa-Basket" programme. Launched in December 2004, the programme is co-sponsored by One on One Basketball, a US sports organization. Casa-Basket aims to teach some 900 children from Casablanca's poorest neighbourhoods to play basketball. She also paid visit to the American Language Center, where she met young people attending English Access Micro classes.

The US official will also visit a humanitarian assistance project spearheaded by European Command (EUCOM). In Marrakech, Hughes will open the second American Corner to be established in Morocco. It is part of a partnership between US embassies and local institutions, and contains Internet access, a small reference collection and space for discussion forums. There are over 300 American Corners throughout the world.
http://www.moroccotimes.com/Paper/article.asp?idr=2&id=15227 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Imams called to get involved in AIDS prevention, study.
Rabat, June 6

Moroccan imams (preachers) are called to get involved in AIDS/HIV prevention, notes a sociological study tackling imams' involvement in fighting AIDS/HIV/STI. The study, presented Tuesday by the Moroccan League Against MST (LMLMST), points out that imams' knowledge of this subject is deficient, confused or erroneous, based notably on limited personal experiences.

Conducted by Habous and Islamic Affairs ministry and Health ministry, the study notes that the STI seriousness and complications are unknown to the bulk of imams, and its causes are vague and indefinite. To remedy to this situation, the study, polling 360 imams, underlines the need to train and get involved imams, who have a fundamental place in the Moroccan social life.

The study aims to identify imams' knowledge about STI/HIV/AIDS, explore their perception of the risks of these infections and identify their attitudes face to this subject. It also aims to involve imams in taking into charge and support AIDS-positive persons, inspired by the precepts of Islam and the traditions of the Arab-Islamic culture. The study prepares for launching a training program for imams to involve them in changing the sexual practices and attitudes of vulnerable groups, said LMLMST chairman, Abdelhak Sekkat.

Some 1,990 HIV cases were recorded in Morocco in 1986, including 271 in 2005.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/imp_social/imams_called_to_get/view 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Imams to be trained to play active role in AIDS/STD prevention.
By Kaoutar Tbatou. 6/6/2006

Concentration has been increasingly attributed in Morocco to the role Imams and religious scholars (Ulama) can play in the promotion of the Moroccan society. After different initiatives, which mainly included providing mosques with internet connection to improve communication between Ulama, and the training of Morshidate (female preachers), a new action will this time aim at mobilising Imams to serve the health sector, and more particularly the issue of AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STD).

As a first step, the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs along with the Ministry of Health issued on Tuesday the results of a sociological study which aimed at assessing the Imams' information about AIDS/SDT, their perception of the diseases' risks, and their attitudes towards the issue. The report revealed that the clerics' information on AIDS/STD are still incomplete and need precision, MAP news agency reported.

Among the 360 surveyed Imams, the majority proved not completely aware of the causes and effects of STD. Concerning AIDS, the report said that they have vague information, which are most of the time drawn from rumours or the media. Thus, the report underlined the crucial importance of awareness among clerics, as major actors in the Moroccan society.

The report will be followed by a training programme which will target Imams to make them actively contribute to the support of people affected by STD, following methods inspired from the teachings of Islam and the traditions of Arab-Islamic culture. Imams will also be expected to contribute to the efforts exerted for the prevention of the diseases. The report was presented during a workshop organised by the Moroccan League against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (LMLMST). The workshop also included presentations on the current epidemiologic situation in the world and in Morocco, and on the national strategy for fighting AIDS/STD.

In Morocco, official figures show that the total number of full-blown AIDS cases detected in Morocco since 1986 has reached 1,990 in 2005.
http://www.moroccotimes.com/paper/article.asp?idr=11&id=15229 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mass tourism threat to Morocco
03/06/2006

North Africa is the latest battleground for no-frills arilines. Charles Starmer-Smith reports The advent of no-frills flights to Morocco could spoil the very thing that draws visitors to the country, an environmental group said this week. Justin Francis, co-founder of Responsible Travel, a leading promoter of eco-tourism, said the Moroccan government was expanding its tourist industry without regard for traditional attractions. "There is something unique about Morocco - it may be only be a three-hour flight from Britain but in social and cultural terms it is radically different. The introduction of hordes of tourists and new hotels, without considering local sensibilities, will lead to over-crowding, over-development and a clash of cultures," he said.

Morocco is the latest battleground for no-frills carriers, with several airlines launching flights to the north African country this year.
Last week Ryanair announced that it had agreed to fly 20 routes from Europe over the next five years, carrying up to a million passengers a year. Its routes from Frankfurt and Marseille to Fès, Marrakesh and Oujda open for business in October.
EasyJet will begin flights in July from Gatwick to Marrakesh, with one-way fares starting at £30.99, including taxes. Thomsonfly will launch a route from Luton to Marrakesh in October; Atlas Blue has already begun flights to Marrakesh from Gatwick; and another budget carrier, Jet4You, is to begin services from Britain later this year.

The influx of no-frills airlines is part of the Moroccan government's ambitious "Vision 2010" strategy, which aims to raise the annual number of tourists to 10 million in the next four years and see the country compete with the Mediterreanean's most popular destinations. Some 2.5 million people visited Morocco last year, a 20 per cent rise on 2004. The majority headed to Marrakesh, the "Pink City", with its markets, riads, souks and winding streets. Among the country's many other attractions are the snow-capped Atlas mountains, the Mediterranean coastline and the cities of Tangier, Fès and Casablanca.

"There have been painful lessons learnt in the short- break market in Europe," Mr Francis said. "Cities such as Prague, which saw a sharp rise in tourists after no-frills flights began, are now ruing the influx of stag parties. "Marrakesh will be less able to deal with such crowds, and it would be a shame if we were to see mass-market resorts opening up." But those fears are already being realised with the development of "Plan Azur" - six Mediterranean resorts to be built along Morocco's coastline by 2010.

According to the Oxford Business Group (OBG), a leading publisher of economic and political intelligence on the emerging markets of North Africa, more than 200 other tourism and residential projects have been started over the past two years. A spokeswoman for CV Travel, which offers breaks in luxury villas and hotels off the beaten track in Morocco, said the benefits to the economy should not be dismisssed. "There are advantages and disadvantages to these plans. The tourist office is desperate to increase the number of tourists to create new jobs and greatly benefit the economy."

But Mr Francis questions whether much of the money made from these new developments will remain in the local community. Last month UAE-based companies announced $19billion (£10 billion) of investment in tourism and infrastructure projects in Marrakesh over the next three years. In an attempt to deal with the expected influx, the government is expanding Marrakesh airport, building a larger train station and improving the roads in and around the city.

But with all these new developments there are fears that a water crisis might be on the way. "The increase in arrivals and the numerous tourism and residential development projects - which usually encompass lush gardens and a flurry of swimming pools - are putting local water resources under serious stress," said a recent report by the OBG. It added that if new developments are not controlled they may undermine Marrakesh's traditional appeal. "The city's main selling arguments have long been its picturesque quality and tradition - two aspects that might be put in jeopardy if the building goes on without check," the report added.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Environment award winners to receive the honours on June 6.
Rabat, June 3

The list of the winners of the awards of the Hassan II Environment Prize for 2006 was announced here on Friday, a press release of the Territory Development Ministry said, adding the honours will be handed on June 6 in Rabat in celebration of the World Environment Day. The scientific and technical award was given in ex aequo to Driss Bensari for his research works on prevention of natural disasters, and to Majid Mansour for his work on analysis mechanisms of earth dynamic risks.

Abdellatif Moukrim grabbed the third award in this category for his work on biological techniques to control Moroccan coasts ecosystem. In the Association action category, the awards went in ex aequo to the « association marocaine pour l'éco-tourisme et la protection de l'environnement » for its project on eco-tourism in the Maâmora Forest and to the « association marocaine de l'Industrie pharmaceutique » for its project on pharmaceutical waste management in Morocco.

The Hassan II Prize for communication was awarded in ex aequo to Ahmed Sidki for his work on environment management in schools and to Fatima Yahdi for her program on "The world of the environment". The jury gave an acknowledgement certificate to Othmane Oujil, Pierre Jack and Younes Okba for their collective work on the setting up of an internet portal "une autre vision du Maroc" (another vision of Morocco).
Abderrahmane Chemlali won the award for art and literature creation for his work on environmental thought between politicisation and education. Other acknowledgement certificates went to Anas Bennani for a picture exhibition on palm trees and to Miloud Jirari for his work on animal wealth in the country.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/box4/environment_award_wi/view 
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Moroccan public opinion to be informed on heart diseases.
By Kaoutar Tbatou. 6/7/2006

After AIDS and cancer, a new awareness campaign will draw the attention of the Moroccan civil society to another health concern: myocardial infarction, more popularly known as heart attacks. Morocco is home to alarming numbers of people who suffer from health troubles directly linked to heart attacks, including 10,000 hypertensive, 1.5 million diabetics, and 5 million people suffering from obesity The awareness campaign, due to continue over the rest of 2006, was announced during a press conference which brought together a number of specialists who debated cardiology emergency difficulties and the problem of the citizens' lack of awareness concerning the importance of quick action in dealing which such health issues.

"A person who is sent to hospital one hour after the attack has 99% of chances to regain a healthy heart," said Pr. Ahmed Bennis, head of the Cardiology Department in the Ibn Rochd University Hospital Centre of Casablanca.

All participants agreed that heart attacks can be considered as the prime health concern in Morocco. In fact, our country is home to alarming numbers of people who suffer from health troubles directly linked to heart attacks, including 10,000 hypertensive, 1.5 million diabetics, and 5 million people suffering from obesity. As for the rates of myocardial infarction, participants noted with much concern the absence of any up-to-date figures about the issue. The only available data, which go back to 1994, show that myocardial infarction is the top cause of mortality among adults in Morocco.

The conference was also attended by other specialists, including Ahmed Hamani, cardiology professor and head of the Cardiology Department in Rabat's Mohammed V Military Hospital, Houcine Louardi, Head of the Emergency Department in the Ibn Rochd University Hospital Centre of Casablanca.

About the disease

A myocardial infarction occurs when the blood supply to one part of the heart is interrupted. This is due to the slow accumulation of cholesterol and fibrous tissues on the inner lining of a coronary artery, leading to the obstruction of blood flow. The danger of the attack varies according to the largeness of the affected area of the heart and the emergency of hospitalisation, but heart attacks are usually life-threatening. The disease's symptoms generally appear in the form of thoracic pain spreading to the left shoulder, neck and the jaws. This may be accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, weakness, and occasionally loss of consciousness. A heart attack is not predictable and can hit at any age. However, nicotinism, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, hypertension, in addition to unchangeable factors like heredity, age, and sex, can raise the risks of having heart attacks. Men and women are equally exposed to the danger of the disease, except that smoking women become more vulnerable.
http://www.moroccotimes.com/paper/article.asp?idr=11&id=15251 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Survey: Over 87% of Moroccan elementary pupils endure physical violence.
By Bachir Niah

An increasingly worrying phenomenon is the fact that over 87% of Moroccan schoolchildren endure physical violence at elementary school, said a study carried out by the Ministry of Education. The study, conducted in cooperation with UNISEF, pointed out that 60% of these pupils were hit by tubes, rulers or sticks, whereas 44% of them by hands and feet. It also showed that 90% of boys suffer from violent treatment, compared to 84% of girls. As for sexual treatment within educational institutions, little was disclosed since the issue is still a taboo in the country. Some pupils attributed this violence to the teacher's personal problems, while others said that they get beaten because of an undone homework, absenteeism, or naughtiness. Teacher-violence also results from schoolchildren's inability to understand some lessons or even subjects, such as French, mathematics, or natural science.

The only cases when teachers do not have recourse to violence are when the pupil belongs to a rich family or one which has authority. Others however get the same "special treatment" because of their good performance, as well as those who pay for extra hours. The study concluded that the violence inflicted on pupils has dangerous results on their psychology, and in some cases their future. It said that violence at school makes the victims feel fear, hatred, and inferiority. Pupils questioned assured that violence creates in them an urge for retaliation. In the long and medium terms, a teacher's violence could lead to absenteeism and even dropping out. To curb this dangerous phenomenon, the study put forward a number of recommendations, including involving students in the management of the school, reducing homework for students under 10 and setting up a body in charge of following up violence cases, as well as launching an awareness-raising campaign.
http://www.moroccotimes.com/Paper/article.asp?idr=11&id=15195 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Parliament unanimously adopts human tissue and organ donation bill.
Rabat, June 8

The Moroccan House of Representatives unanimously approved, here Thursday, the bill related to human tissue and organ donation retrieval and transplant. Health minister, Mohamed Cheikh Biadillah, hailed this decision, which will save lives and which could be, in some cases, the best treatment of several diseases, quoting as an example, renal insufficiency. The lower house, who described, for its part, the project as a "scientific breakthrough," called to upgrade public hospitals to meet the growing needs in the field. Since the nineties, the government set up legal and organizational measures to supervise medical activities related to medical and biological analysis, blood sampling...
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/imp_social/parliament_unanimous/view 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morocco earmarks $470m for sanitation projects over next 15 years.
June 6, 2006,

Morocco is earmarking more than $470 million for sanitation projects in 260 communes nationwide over the coming 15 years, under the provisions of the National Sanitation Program (PNA) launched in Rabat. The PNA launching, chaired by Premier Driss Jettou, aims to build sewer networks and other related infrastructures in the communes, cut down pollution by 60% and construct plants for used water treatment, as well as revamp and expand rain water drains.

The PNA, adopted by the government in 2005, also targets to build 260 liquid waste treatment plants and renew the existing sanitation equipments and structures. The first part of the project to be carried out in 2006 through 2008 concerns 130 towns totalling 6.7 million people and is to cost over $9.6 million. In 2006, the program is planning to carry out sanitation projects in 52 communes and conduct feasible studies in another 16 communes counting 4.7 million people. Costs are estimated at over $1.5 million. The PNA, which is contributed to by over $4 million donation by the European Union, is to be revisited every year to identify new eligible communes.
http://www.andnetwork.com/index?service=direct/0/Home/recent.fullStory&sp=l37797 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Hughes visits schools, learning centres in Morocco.
By Hassan Benmehdi 07/06/2006

As part of her "listening and learning" tour, US Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes focused her four-day visit to Morocco on social issues. She toured NGOS and centres funded by various US programmes, stressing the importance of learning and cultural exchange. US Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes kicked off her Morocco visit on Sunday (4 June) with meetings with officials from the Moroccan Foreign Affairs Ministry in Casablanca, before concentrating most of her agenda on social issues.

"I'm here really to listen and to learn," Hughes told a press conference at the Sidi Moumen Sports Centre in Casablanca. "Morocco has been at the forefront of a number of democratic reforms in the region ... so Morocco I think has a real leadership role to play throughout the Arab and wider Islamic world. Morocco and my country also have a very special partnership," she added.

Accompanied by the US Ambassador in Rabat Thomas Riley, as well as other American diplomats, Hughes visited the various departments and offshoots of the "Feminine Solidarity" association led by Aicha Echenna. The association helps abused women and single mothers integrate back into society and their families so that they don't abandon their children. Speaking at a press conference at the US funded association, Hughes said she was "inspired by the strength, joy and graciousness of Moroccan women... I think judging from the women I saw this morning, they feel that the American program is helping, giving them new skills. I picked up a young girl there and said what her mother was doing and learning at this program is going to make that child's life better and going to make Morocco a stronger country so we are proud to be a partner in all of that."

Hughes then proceeded to the "Riwak El Fanni", an NGO specialising in educational and cultural activities for underprivileged children and families. The organisation is based in the working-class district of Moulay Rachid and runs a programme of educational and extracurricular activities to encourage children's personal growth, and to help them express their personality and develop their imagination. Hughes also visited the American Language Center, where she met with students and alumni at the English Access Microscholarship site.

Abdelfatah Al-Idrissi, a former student at the center, spoke on behalf of the students at the US funded centre. "Basically, we've a problem in Morocco about jobs and English now is more important to have jobs," Al-Idrissi said, adding that "because of English, because of the Access program, I went to the US, I participated in an American movie, and now I've got a job, which is very, very important to me ... we are living in poor neighborhoods, well, because of English these days we've got, I've got, a job and I don't think without this opportunity I would have a job now."

Hughes stressed the importance of learning English and the cultural exchange and educational programmes supported by the United States State Department, "because I think the more we know each other, the better we will understand each other", she explained.
"When people arrive from the United States, they realise how hospitable the Moroccan people are. They see the beauty of the country, its glorious history.... and when young Moroccan people visit the United States they see the same thing," she said before concluding her visit to Casablanca.

In Marrakesh, Hughes inaugurated the country's second "American Corner", which serves as an information centre for Moroccans to meet, hold discussion forums, browse the internet, and learn about the United States. The project was carried out in association with local institutions.
"We are proud that America is working in partnership with the government of Morocco, with NGOs and private organizations here in Morocco to work on these programs that I think are so meaningful in the lives of the people of Morocco," Hughes said.
http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2006/06/07/feature-02 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Festival sets tune for world harmony.
June 8, 2006,

As world top spiritual musicians share the stage of the 12th Fez Festival of World Sacred Music, political figures and thinkers debate ways of bringing spiritual harmony to the globalized world so as to resolve the conflicts that plague various parts of the globe. "In the context of the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music and the Fez Forum "Giving Soul to Globalisation", we wish to make use of this musical paradigm in order to ask ourselves about the harmonisation of spiritual laws, as well as political, economic and social laws. In this way we may be able to improve society and relationships between people," notes Mohammed Kabbaj, President of the Festival in a message addressed to the festival-goers.

"Sacred Music concerns the audible interpretation of the celestial symphony. It reminds us that in order to survive, our planet has to be in harmony with its environment, both far and near," he stresses. Kicked off on Friday evening by the French-American conductor William Christie with a performance by his orchestra of works by composers including Mozart and Jean-Philippe Rameau, the festival will run until June 10, climaxing with a concert by Malian musician Salif Keita.

Recognized in 2001 by the UNO as an important contributor to dialogue between civilisations, the festival has included, since 2000, a forum called "Fez Encounters," in which politicians, academics, religious readers and social activists sit together to discuss many issues. This year's forum is expected to tackle matters such as poverty, spirituality, economics as well as Islam and globalisation. The annual festival also reflects the civilisation and cultural richness of Fez, which claims a history of harmony between various cultures, as Muslims, Christians and Jews have lived side by side in the city since its foundation in 789.
http://www.andnetwork.com/index?service=direct/0/Home/story&sp=l38167 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Moroccan music festival seeks harmonious 'soul' of globalization:

Event draws wide diaspora of tune-carrying spiritualists. By Agence France Presse (AFP) Monday, June 05, 2006 FEZ, Morocco: As world musicians turned up in this ancient town for a festival of religious music , political figures and thinkers sat under an oak tree over the weekend debating ways of bringing spiritual harmony to the globalized world. "Globalization has no meaning unless it has a soul, a universal collective vision that can give it a direction, that can act to transform the world," said Mohammad Kabbaj, president of the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music. At a meeting in the tree-shaded garden of Fez' 19th-century Batha palace, Kabbaj said that according to the Koran, "harmony is the irrefutable proof of the existence of God and is the necessary link between man and society."

The 12th edition of the festival, which opened on Friday, brings together spiritual and religious music from Syria, Iran, India, Mali, Latin America, Japan, Tibet, Azerbaijan and the Mediterranean under the theme of "harmonies." The Fez Foundation that organizes the festival says in its mission statement that one if its aims is promote the historical holy city - noted for its Qaraouine university - as a center of intercultural contact. Fez claims a history of harmony between different cultures. Jews, Christians and Muslims lived side-by-side in the city after its founding in 789. Since 2000, the festival has included a discussion forum called Fez Encounters, bringing together politicians, academics, religious leaders and social activists. This year's forum aims to discuss matters such as poverty, spirituality and economics, and Islam and globalization.

France's Culture Minister Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, attending Saturday's meeting in the Batha palace, spoke about the responsibilities of the international community in the context of globalization. "The circulation of information also allows the circulation of barbarism," he said. "That is why we must be mobilized and alert to see to it that all these sacred musics of the world which are going to sound during this festival should not be a moment of precarious harmony ... The political powers of today's world must take on their full role and not yield to certain currents like fundamentalism, which together we must know how to fight against ... In globalization, respect for identities, cultures and religions is an essential factor of peace."

Some 60 delegates from Morocco, France, Tunisia, the United States and Germany, in addition to Israelis and Palestinians, were expected to take part in the forum discussions. The French-American conductor William Christie kicked off the festival on Friday evening with a performance by his Arts Florissants orchestra of works by composers including Mozart and Jean-Philippe Rameau.
The festival - which was recognized in 2001 by the United Nations as a major contributor to dialogue between civilizations - runs through June 10, with a grand finale by way of a concert by Malian musician Salif Keita. Concerts will be held on the grounds of the palace, which now houses a museum, and the courtyard of the city's Bab Makina palace. Free concerts are also due to take place on a public square.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=4&article_id=24961# 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fez's Moroccan music festival celebrates diversity through music.
07/06/2006

The Moroccan music festival in Fez aims to promote democracy, development and peace through art. Performers and music lovers from all over the world meet in Fez for a ten-day festival to promote cultural understanding. A theme for this year's festival is "A soul for globalization", referring to technology that has made the world smaller, giving people access to cultures that once seemed distant. The ancient Arab city of Fez is currently celebrating the 12th annual Moroccan music festival, dubbed the Festival of World Sacred Music, which runs from 3-12 June. The festival has drawn musicians from over 15 countries throughout the world, including Japan, Tibet, India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Syria, Mali, Latin America and many countries in the Mediterranean under the theme "harmonies".

The performances include whirling dervishes, Ghazal chants, Renaissance and Baroque spiritual music, Sephardic music and American gospel. Fez is seen by many as an appropriate place for a music festival celebrating diversity. The city has a history of tolerance and diversity, where Jews, Christians and Muslims have lived side by side in harmony since its founding in 789. Today, Fez is one of the world's oldest functioning cities and is a UNESCO world heritage site. But the city once known for religious co-existence has been more ethnically homogenous in recent decades.

"When I was young, there were Jews, Christians and Muslims in Fez. It isn't like that now," Faouzi Skali, founder of the music festival told the BBC. Skali started the annual event in 1994, three years after the American-led liberation of Kuwait. He anticipated political tensions in the Arab World, and decided to bring together different cultures to learn from one another.

Now, the festival is bigger than ever. And with several crises raging in countries in the region, including Iraq, Israel, the Palestinian Territories and Sudan, the event appears to be more relevant than ever. In addition to the international music performances, the festival also hosts a colloquium, or discussion forum called Fez Encounters, which began in 2000. Since then, it has become one of the main intrigues of the festival.

The colloquium, held by academics, religious leaders and political activists, discusses how spirituality and democracy can play a role in peace. This year's forum aims to discuss poverty, spirituality, economics and globalization. According to AFP, some 60 delegates from Morocco, France, Tunisia, the United States and Germany, plus Israelis and Palestinians, were expected to take part in the forum discussions.

In 2001, the United Nations recognised the festival as a major contributor to dialogue between civilizations. The forum has caught the attention Western countries, with the French cultural minister, Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, attending a meeting on Saturday in Fez's 19th century Batha palace."The political powers of today's world must take on their full role and not yield to certain currents like fundamentalism, which together we must know to fight against," AFP quoted the French minister as saying. "In globalization, respect for identities, cultures and religions is an essential factor in peace," de Vabres added.
http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2006/06/07/feature-01 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sacred Music Festival, an occasion to promote the city of Fez.
6/9/2006

The Fez Festival of World Sacred Music is a cultural venue where international music styles and musicians meet, but it is also an occasion to promote the city of Fez, as the Kingdom's cultural and spiritual capital. Since this year's festival opened under the theme "Harmonies", the city's rich historical monuments and places have been witnessing continual celebrations. Artists who came from all over the world have been discovering the city of Fez, marked by tolerance and cohabitation of all cultures and religions.

The festival's followers have realized that the highly cultural, academic, and historical event has given Fez the chance to attract the attention it deserves as a rich traditional and spiritual city. The Batha museum, which was constructed by the Sultan Hassan I and was formerly used a royal summer residence, is one of the city's attractive historical places.

The museum, which includes a collection of rare art works, is currently hosting a retrospective exhibition of the paintings of André El Baz, one of the most recognized Moroccan contemporary painters. The exhibition included El Baz's productions over the last 20 years, Map news agency said. The museum attracted on Sunday a large audience which came to attend the Misa Criolla concert and the performance of Latin-American Cathedral Music of the XVII and XVIII centuries, under the direction of Argentinean composer and orchestra director Enzo Gieco.

The fascinating festival also provides visitors with the opportunity to stroll about the Medina's numerous alleys and visit magical sites like "Dar Tazi", a residence constructed in 1900 and historically inhabited by the city's pashas. During the festival, Dar Tazi is holding a series of Sufi nights starting from 11pm.

Other fascinating monuments of the cultural capital which are highlighted by the festival include the "Sheherazade Riad", which was constructed in 1900 in the Arab-Andalusian style, "Bab Boujloud", built in the 11th country and was restored during the reign of the Alaouite Sultan Moulay Hafid, and the esplanade of "Bab El Makina", a historical gate built in 1886 during the reign of Moulay Hassan I.
http://www.moroccotimes.com/Paper/article.asp?idr=49&id=15284 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Moroccan-French team excavates Roman town in Sidi Kacem.
By Susan Searight-Martinet. 6/9/2006

A team of Moroccan and French archaeologists have been excavating the Roman town of Banasa since May 15 and will continue until June 15, reported MAP news agency. The site of Banasa, known as Sidi Ali Bou Jnoun (from the shrine of the saint clearly visible in the middle of the Roman ruins), lies in the rural commune of Sidi Kacem, 17 km from Mechra Bel Ksiri. According to an official of the regional delegation of the Ministry of Culture in Kenitra, the excavations will last a month and cover eight hectares. They complete those undertaken between 2003 and 2005 and have allowed new discoveries to be made in several parts of the site. The ruins of the Roman town of Banasa were discovered by the French diplomat Charles Tissot.

The excavations undertaken between 1933 and 1956 in the town, which was protected by a rampart dating to the 2nd century AD, revealed a number of buildings and public baths (thermes). Public baths were an important feature of all Roman towns and have been found on many sites occupied by the Romans in the last centuries BC and first centuries AD. Banasa's baths are the biggest yet found in Morocco.

The town itself was founded at the end of the first century BC, as a colony for Roman veterans who farmed the surrounding land. Mosaics and other material from the site were removed to the Archaeological Museum in Rabat. Banasa was an important urban centre up to 285 AD. Around this time the Romans were forced to retreat north of the River Loukkos, due to general difficulties in holding together their vast empire and, in particular, to repeated harassment by the neighbouring Moroccan tribes. The site now has a curator and is organized for visits, with a tarmaced road leading right up to the entrance. It is hope it will become part of a regular tourist circuit to increase the development of the region.
http://www.moroccotimes.com/Paper/article.asp?idr=49&id=15280 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amazigh Film Festival: Fatima Boubekdi collects three prizes.

The Moroccan filmmaker, Fatima Boubekdi, was attributed three prizes during the second Amazigh Film Festival, which took place on May 25-28 in Ouarzazate. Realized by the brilliant film director, the fiction "Hammou Ounamir" was awarded the first prize by the jury, headed by the cinema critic Hamid Tbabtou. The same Amazigh film collected another prize, the best film direction. As for best screenplay prize, the jury of this cinematographic meeting themed "The support of the Amazigh Film for the preservation of our cultural identity" attributed it to "Imouran", a film directed by the same talented Boubekdi.

Best Male Actor prize was handed to Abdellatif Atef for his remarkable performance in "Lkanz nour y'tkemmaln", a film directed by Abdelaziz Oussayah. As for Best Actress prize, it was awarded to Zahia Zahidi for her role in Ahmed Badouj's film "Assennan N'tayri". Initiated by the Moroccan Association for Research and Cultural Exchange (AMREC) (Ouarzazate section), this event aims at contributing to the promotion and development of this kind of art and the resolution of problems maiming the Amazigh film production.
http://www.moroccotimes.com/Paper/article.asp?idr=49&id=15123 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Moroccan prison: When inmate give free reign to their talents.
By Bachir Niah

The misconception that a prisoner is a criminal and bad citizen who cannot be trusted proved groundless in the 'Meeting with Prisoners' exhibition, organised in the Casablanca International Fair by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Prisoners' Reintegration. During this event, themed 'Education and Training for Reinsertion', the first thing a visitor could see was smiling faces everywhere. These young inmates seemed to be very little concerned about their imprisonment or the period they still have to serve. They were exhibiting the masterpieces they had made during their training in prison. Their main interest was to see admiration and attention in the eyes of people, which they definitely saw.

The stands were adorned with all sorts of traditional and modern products they had created thanks to the skills learned in prison, including pottery, carpentry, zellige, metal working, agriculture, embroidery, sewing, hairdressing, cooking etc. "This is an opportunity for us. It is extremely rewarding to see ones' products exhibited here," said a young prisoner pointing to a picture of a landscape seen from a window, that he had drawn to express his yearning for freedom.

A woman prisoner added "I really am happy about this event; it makes you feel that people are sincerely interested in you, which pushes you to work more and create more." Their products will be sold in a number of commercial centres in Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Fez, Tangier and Al-Jadida, starting from June 8. Last year's exhibition generated up to MAD
17.5 million. This money was used to build new training centres in other prisons and purchase new material for the existing ones.

Prisons in Morocco

Moroccan prisons are no longer a place dedicated uniquely to depriving people of their freedom: they have become places for human and professional development. "The training centres aim at reeducating and training these young inmates professionally and ethically. The misconception that the prisoner is a criminal should be completely eradicated," underlined Abderrahim Abbour, head of training in the Ain Sbaâ corrective centre.

The prisoner is also a human being who needs help to restore his hope and self-confidence, Abbour added. "The training is a kind of investment. By reintegrating a prisoner, we benefit economically and socially and even at the security level," he went on, calling on all the social actors "to participate in this initiative: civil society, entrepreneurs etc." In prisons nowadays, inmates pursue training in different professional domains and get diplomas which by no means differ from those obtained elswhere. "In these diplomas there is no mention that the holder was in prison," said an official, adding that "there are even follow-up centres that take care of reintegrating them in society after they leave prison, helping them get internships or even jobs." Created in 2002 at HM king Mohammed VI's initiative, the Mohamed VI Foundation for the Reintegration of prisoners mainly aims at making prisons more humane.
http://www.moroccotimes.com/Paper/article.asp?idr=11&id=15209 
###########################################

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.