Representatives of Spain, North African countries meet in Rabat about illegal migration

11/10/2005

[File] Moratinos

Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos arrived on Monday (10 October) in Rabat on a two-day visit to discuss the issue of illegal immigration with Moroccan counterpart Mohammed Benaissa. The visit is expected to support co-operation between the two nations in stopping massive attempts to storm the border in the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.

At a news conference in Geneva on Monday (10 October), UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan noted the "very serious situation" of migrants trying to cross through the enclaves and predicted the problem "will consume far more of our energies in the years ahead".

The UN Office for West Africa is trying to assuage the problem by working with groups such as the Economic Community of West African States and civil society organisations to propose a series of practical recommendations for youth employment directed at national governments and the private sector. A report will be issued in the coming weeks, before the France-Afrique summit in Bamako on 3 December.

Some media reports suggest the Spanish government has also invited Algeria, Mauritania and Libya to the meetings. The Moroccan government is also considering the need to implement an international aid plan to improve economic conditions in southern Sahara countries in a bid to limit emigration operations. (Morocco Times, Arabic News, AKI)

France deports two Islamists to Algeria

11/10/2005

Islamists Djamel Louanouci and Abderrahmane Sellem, condemned in France for "criminal conspiracy and links to a terrorist group", have been deported to Algeria, according to the French Interior Ministry. Louanouci was deported in November 2004, but returned illegally to France. Sellem was deported on Monday (10 October) after his release from prison. (Liberte)

Arab League delegation attacked in Iraq

11/10/2005

An Arab League delegation, led by Algerian Ahmed Ben Helli came under insurgent fire in Baghdad on Monday (10 October). "We had come to prepare for a visit by the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Amr Moussa", Ben Helli told AFP.

The delegation arrived in Iraq Saturday for a five-day visit to lay the groundwork for Moussa's trip, scheduled to take place soon after the 15 October referendum on the Iraqi Constitution. The visit also aimed to boost support for a "reconciliation" meeting between ethnic and religious groups in Iraq. (AFP, Antara)

Tunisia establishes diplomatic relations with Botswana

11/10/2005

Tunisia formally established diplomatic relations with Botswana on Friday (7 October). Officials say the move reflects the interest of the two nations' presidents to develop bilateral co-operation in all fields of common interest. The two leaders are also proponents of inter-African co-operation. (Le Temps)

Morocco begins repatriation of immigrants abandoned in desert

10/10/2005

[File] Fassi-Fihri

On Sunday (9 October), Morocco began the repatriation of hundreds of Senegalese and Malian would-be immigrants to Europe, who were allegedly abandoned in recent days in remote desert areas without food or water.

State Minister in charge of foreign affaires Taieb Fassi-Fihri said during a meeting Saturday with diplomats from seven African countries that Morocco would find "the best way of solving this extreme situation".

"We are trying to solve the problem directly with the African countries of origin of these emigrants", he said, confirming that his country would charter planes to Dakar and Bamako. Around 302 Senegalese migrants left the eastern Moroccan town of Bouarfa on seven buses bound for Oujda, where they would be flown home by Monday, according to Senegal's ambassador to Morocco. (AP, AFP, Reuters, Japan Today)

Mauritania's Ely Ould Mohamed Vall vows to fight terrorism, maintain relations with Israel

10/10/2005

[File] Vall

During a three-hour press conference on Sunday (9 October), Mauritanian Military Council for Justice and Democracy President Ely Ould Mohamed Vall vowed to vigorously fight terrorism and maintain relations with Israel.

"We shall do everything we can to stop international terrorism and prevent it from spreading in our country", Vall declared at the presidential palace. "We are going to maintain relations with Israel because it is in the interest of both nations and for peace", he added. Vall rejected the possible creation of an Islamist party in Mauritania, saying the constitution does not allow recognition of a party "based on religious considerations". (Reuters, AP)

Annan urges humane treatment of migrants trying to cross Morocco-Spain border

09/10/2005

[AFP] Anan

On Friday (7 October), UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan voiced concern about the "very serious situation" of migrants trying to cross from Morocco into Spain and urged all governments to manage the flow of people across borders more effectively. At least 11 people reportedly died over the last ten days as migrants tried to cross barbed wire fences around the Spanish enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco.

"While acknowledging the legitimate need for concerned governments to enforce immigration laws and obligations, the Secretary-General urges them to do so humanely", his spokesman said in a statement. (UN News Centre, Reuters)

Morocco uncovers graves of 50 political prisoners killed in 1970s

09/10/2005

Morocco's Equity and Reconciliation Commission announced on Saturday (8 October) that it had located the graves of 50 political prisoners who died at secret detention camps in the 1970s. The commission was set up by royal decree in January 2004 to shed light on human rights breaches committed between 1956 and 1999 and to provide compensation to the families of victims.

The commission said government authorities had helped it to locate graves at three former detention centres in southern Morocco. "The recognition of the existence of the graves is a great step underscoring the assurance by authorities that past abuses will not happen again", said one senior commission official. (MAP, Reuters)

Algerian president congratulates Mohamed El Baradei on Nobel Peace Prize

09/10/2005

[AFP] El Baradei

On Saturday (8 October), Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika called the awarding of the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its general director Mohamed El Baradei a "highly symbolic event".

"This is a just reward for the efforts the IAEA and all its staff make for the promotion of the peaceful use of atomic energy and to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons", Bouteflika said. "The prize, which is also personally awarded to you, is recognition of a rich path in service of the international community", he added.

Egypt's El Baradei, 63, has led the UN nuclear watchdog agency since 1997. The Nobel Committee announced its decision on Friday. (APS, Xinhua)

Tunisian cabinet discusses 2006 draft budget

07/10/2005

[File] Ben Ali

At a meeting on Thursday (6 October) chaired by President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the Tunisian cabinet decided the 2006 draft budget should be balanced and consolidate local competitiveness. Provisions include a focus on control of energy resources and environmental protection, social measures, mobilisation of savings, financing of investments, strengthening the competitiveness of local companies, and continuation of tax reform. Ben Ali insisted the 2006 budget provide financing mechanisms for productive projects to accelerate economic activity for the creation of jobs and preservation of social stability. (La Presse)

Moroccan government spokesman illegal immigration issue needs integrated approach

07/10/2005

[File] Benabdellah

Morocco is examining possible measures for dealing with illegal immigration, government spokesman Nabil Benabdellah said in response to a question during a press briefing about Morocco's capacity to host illegal immigrants who will be expelled from Spain as a result of a yet-to-be activated 1992 accord. Illegal immigration is a delicate issue that needs wise and rigorous treatment, said Benabdellah, adding that Morocco has spared no effort to face the problem. Underlining that Morocco is a "victim" of the phenomenon, he stressed the need to deal with it through an approach that integrates all neighbouring countries and the EU. (MAP)

Conference in Algiers calls for protection of single mothers and their children

07/10/2005

The SOS Femmes en Detresse (SOS Women in Distress) association organised a one-day conference at the German Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Algiers on Thursday (6 October) to consider the issue of single mothers and children born out of wedlock. Several Algerian women's organisations, social workers, gynecologists, and psychologists attended the meeting and called for an action plan or a law to protect the target group.

The women's associations insisted on changes in the Algerian Family Code and the health law. Several cases of young battered women being rejected by maternity wards and authorities banning hospital staff from accepting pregnant women unable to present a marriage certificate were brought to the attention of participants. (ANSAmed)

Iran, Tunisia call for expansion of economic co-operation

07/10/2005

Iranian ambassador to Tunisia Baqer Sakhaei conferred with Tunisian Minister of Industries and Energy Afif Shelbi on Wednesday (5 October) about expanding industrial co-operation between the two countries.

According to Iran's Embassy in Tunisia, the Tunisian minister pointed to the expansion of relations between the two countries in recent years and called for increasing the current level of industrial co-operation and enhancing political ties. Shelbi said Tunisia is ready to provide Iranian industrialists with any facilities to turn the country into a hub for export of goods and products to the countries in the region.

Sakhaej affirmed the determination of Iranian and Tunisian officials to further boost mutual relations and called for removal of existing barriers on export of goods and services through the signing of an accord for preferential tariffs. (IRNA)

Moroccans suspected of involvement in Iraqi insurgency sentenced to two years in jail

07/10/2005

Moroccans Mimoun Belhaj and Abdelhak Assassi, who were extradited last February by Syria for suspected links with the Iraqi insurgency, were sentenced to two years in jail by the appellate court of Salé on Wednesday (5 October).

The specific charges were "formation of a criminal gang to prepare and commit terrorist attacks; practicing activities in a non-recognized association; unauthorized public meetings; assault and battery; and forgery of passports".

The defendants denied any link with insurgents in Iraq and insisted that no proof existed, noting that their sojourn in Syria was legal as they were tourists. (MAP)

President Bush extends Ramadan greetings to Muslims around the world

06/10/2005

[File] President Bush

US President George W. Bush sent greetings to Muslims in the United States and around the world as they begin observing the holy month of Ramadan. He praised Muslims' commitment to spiritual growth and charity during the season.

"Throughout our history, America has been blessed by the contributions of people of many different faiths. Our Muslim citizens have helped make our nation a stronger and more hopeful place through their faith, generosity, and compassion", he said in a press statement. (USINFO)

Moroccan delegation takes part in Western Sahara debate in New York

06/10/2005

A Moroccan delegation is taking part in a New York debate on Western Sahara that started on Wednesday (5 October) as part of the UN General Assembly Commission on Special Political Questions and Decolonisation. The delegation includes high-ranking officials and other people from the southern provinces, who intend to speak before the commission "to reaffirm their attachment to their Moroccan identity". (L'Economiste)

Joint action plan between NEPAD and G8 adopted in London

06/10/2005

The fifth meeting of the Africa Partnership Forum finished on Wednesday (5 October) in London with the adoption of a joint action plan between the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and G8 countries. A secretariat was set up during the forum to co-ordinate the positions of developed countries in order to facilitate its implementation.

The two-day gathering followed the G8 summit in Gleneagles, Scotland this summer, where leaders agreed to a package of aid and debt relief for Africa. It included a commitment that the G8 and EU would double development assistance by 2010. (APS)

Poverty rate in Morocco falls to 14.2 per cent in 2004

06/10/2005

[File] Lahlimi

The poverty rate in Morocco stood at 14.2 per cent in 2004, decreasing by 2.3 per cent from 1994, High Commissioner for Planning Ahmed Lahlimi announced Tuesday (4 October) in Rabat. Speaking at a press briefing to present the September 2004 census results, he said the development is due to an improvement in living conditions, specifying that the decrease in poverty was 2.5 per cent in urban areas and 1 per cent in rural areas. Lahlimi stressed that human development increased during the latest four years because of national programmes to provide drinking water and electricity and extend the roads network.

The rate of children attending school jumped from 62 per cent in 1994 to 80 per cent in 2004, with the rate for girls increasing from 51.7 per cent to 77.6 per cent over the same period. Illiteracy decreased from 55 per cent in 1994 to 43 per cent in 2004. (MAP)

Morocco benefits from IFC arm of World Bank Group

06/10/2005

The International Financial Corporation (IFC) annual report indicates it gave $80m to Morocco in fiscal year 2005, making it the fourth-biggest beneficiary in the Middle East and North Africa region.

In February, around $117m worth of bonds were given to domestic institutional investors. The initiative was the first domestic bond offering by an international organisation in Africa or the Middle East. (MAP)

Italian official stresses autonomy as solution to Western Sahara conflict

05/10/2005

[File] Tarolli

Autonomy should be encouraged to help Morocco reach a political solution to the Sahara dispute, Italian-Moroccan Parliamentary Friendship Group President Ivo Tarolli said during a visit to the nation on Monday (4 October.)

"After 50 years of terrorism and war, we have enjoyed 50 years of peace following the adoption of autonomy status", pointed out Tarolli at the end of talks with Moroccan delegate minister for foreign affairs and co-operation Taib Fassi Fihri. He believes autonomy will also help with regional integration in the Maghreb. (MAP)

UNIFEM encourages more women's participation in global peace processes

05/10/2005

[File] Gumbonzvanda

UNIFEM (UN Development Fund for Women) called on the international community to recognise women's efforts to prevent and resolve conflict in their communities and to strengthen support for women's inclusion as full and equal participants in formal peace processes. Regional programme director for East and Horn of Africa Nyaradzai Gumbonzvanda said at a press conference that although women often play a leadership role in their communities during and after conflict, they were too often left out of formal peace negotiations and agreements.

Women are key allies in building and sustaining vital public support for ongoing peace processes. Advocacy efforts by women's civil society groups can be instrumental to initiating formal peace negotiations, maintaining public support for their continuation until a peace accord is signed, and assisting in its implementation, Gumbonzvanda added. (Arab Women Connect)

Centres for female victims of domestic violence to be created in Morocco

05/10/2005

[File] Bouzoubaa

Moroccan Justice Minister Mohamed Bouzoubaa announced on Tuesday (4 October) the upcoming creation of centres for women victimised by domestic violence throughout the country.

"Now, it's time to work out a juridical framework and to reflect on specific mechanisms for women in need of social care", Bouzoubaa told participants at a meeting on domestic violence in Rabat. He revealed that women working in the general prosecutor's office or in the judiciary police would now be in charge of domestic violence cases. The minister called domestic violence a "violation of human right and fundamental liberty" and urged NGOs working on the issue to co-ordinate their actions with the general prosecutor. (MAP)

EU to send mission to Morocco

05/10/2005

[File] Frattini

The EU said on Tuesday (4 October) that it would send a mission to Morocco and the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla to assess the problem of illegal immigration into the EU. EU Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini said he was seeking to release up to $48m to help Morocco secure its borders.

Hundreds of Africans in recent weeks have ripped through and scaled high-security fences at the borders between Morocco and the two enclaves.

Moroccan authorities said they arrested 194 illegal immigrants after the latest assault on Monday (3 October) in Melilla. They indicated 1,000 illegal immigrants had been arrested in the area since the middle of last week. (NEWS 24)

Morocco, Angola to exchange expertise

05/10/2005

[File] Xirimbimbi

Moroccan Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Sea Fisheries Mohand Laenser said his country will strengthen co-operation with Angola in the fisheries sector. He arrived in Luanda on Sunday (2 October) with a delegation of technicians and specialists in fishing training and research, along with businessmen operating in the sector.

Angola's Fishing Minister Salomão Xirimbimbi told Angolan press that the two countries will sign agreements in the scientific co-operation field, staff training and fishing inspection.

"Angola is taking the first steps in this domain and will gain experience with the more developed countries in this matter", Xirimbimbi underlined, noting that Moroccan businessmen will inquire about the Angolan market with a view towards establishing commercial partnerships in different fishing sectors. (Angola Press, Morocco Times)

International meeting discusses terrorism

05/10/2005

Algerian Interior Minister Noureddine Zarhouni called for denying political asylum to any person linked to terrorist activities at the 11th meeting of Western Mediterranean Interior Ministers. He also stressed the need to step up co-operation in combating terrorism, illegal immigration, drugs, and organised crime.

"Combating terrorism dictates that countries of the Mediterranean co-operate more closely in intercepting the tools of terror, drying up the sources of financing and exchanging logistical support", Zarhouni said. (World Peace Herald, APS)

Western Mediterranean interior ministers to join effort to fight trans-border crimes

04/10/2005

A resolve for strengthening co-operation to prevent and fight trans-border crimes efficiently was the core of a declaration adopted during the 11th meeting of the Conference of Interior Ministers of Western Mediterranean Countries on Monday (3 October). The delegations, which included Maghreb nations, agreed to set up common and co-ordinated actions in fighting organised crime, drug trafficking and cyber crimes.

The measures include co-operation in checking borders, exchanging and updating information and technical and operational assistance. The interior ministers also decided to develop co-operation in research, identifying and localising drug networks and smugglers and promoting information exchange on banned substances. (MAP, Morocco Times)

US official lauds Moroccan efforts in advancing political openness

04/10/2005

During a press briefing at the end of the International Colloquium on Political Pluralism and Electoral Processes on Monday (3 October), US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Scott Carpenter said, "Morocco is demonstrating consistently that it is looking to make positive steps towards openness in its political system". He also affirmed, "Morocco is clearly on a front path for democratisation".

Carpenter also deemed that the Middle East Partnership Initiative is meant to exchange experience between countries of the region and to "talk about what works and what doesn't work". He also believes the partnership should "expand political space, create new opportunities for political party formation, expand voting rights and get more women in parliament". (Map)

King Mohammed VI meets with emissary of Libyan president

04/10/2005

King Mohammed VI met with Abdelaati Laabidi, an emissary of Libyan president Colonel Moamer Kadhafi, on Monday (3 October). "The King tasked me with transmitting to Colonel Kadhafi a message mainly touching on bilateral relations and the Arab Maghreb Union", the Libyan official told the press after the meeting. (MAP)

CMJD president wants to reinforce Morocco-Mauritania relations

04/10/2005

Colonel Ely Ould Mohamed Vall, president of the Mauritanian Military Council for Justice and Democracy (CMJD), said he is "determined to reinforce excellent relations" with Morocco for the mutual benefit of both nations in a message given to Mauritanian ambassador to Morocco Chiakh Ould Ely. After a meeting with King Mohammed VI, the ambassador gave the message to the sovereign. (MAP)

Algerian government to crack down on Islamic rebels who reject amnesty

04/10/2005

[File] Zerhouni

The Algerian government will crack down severely on Islamic militants who refuse to lay down arms and refute the amnesty, Interior Minister Yazid Zerhouni announced on Monday (3 October). According to Algerian authorities, the amnesty concerns about 800 to 1,000 militants. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia said around 10,000 armed militants have turned in their weapons over the years. Most of the active militants are members of the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat. (AP, Al-Hayat)

Madrid Community to fund construction of centres for underage illegal immigrants in Morocco

04/10/2005

The Madrid Community announced on Monday (3 October) that it would fund the construction of hosting centres in Tangier and Marrakech for un-accompanied Moroccan underage immigrants to facilitate their return and integration. The two facilities will cost 3m euros, including 2m allocated by the EU. The initiative aims to improve the living conditions of Moroccan minors to encourage their voluntary repatriation from the Madrid Community, which currently hosts around 297 young Moroccans in Spain.

The Tangier host centre is due to be operational at the end of 2006, while construction of the Marrakech centre will kick off at the beginning of next year. Discussions are underway between Morocco and Spain to open centres in other Moroccan cities. (MAP)