CITIZENSHIP EQUALITY DIGNITY PROGRESS
Archive for January, 2013
El Khalfi: Western Sahara an ‘Integral Part’ of Morroco
Jan 28
Posted by MoroccoTomorrow
Maroc.ma
Moroccan Minister of Communications Mustafa al-Khalfi, the official government spokesman, revealed the existence of a historical document that confirms a link between the inhabitants of Western Sahara and the central authorities in Morocco that dates back to before the Spanish occupation. He believes that a return to international agreements goes against the idea that the region was “empty land.”
In an interview with Al-Hayat, he explained the reasons behind the failure of a referendum, and revealed the content of the autonomy plan proposed by his country.
Below is the full text of the interview: (more…)
Arab leaders tell Davos sweeping reforms cannot happen overnight
Jan 28
Posted by MoroccoTomorrow
AL ARABIYA NEWS
(L-R) Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Qandil, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayad, Chief of Government of Morocco Abdelilah Benkirane, Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan and Lebanon prime minister Najb Mikati pose before a session of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2013 on January 25, 2013 at the Swiss resort of Davos. (AFP) (more…)
Arab officials praise Arab spring but acknowledge continuing problems
Jan 28
Posted by MoroccoTomorrow
The prime ministers of Morocco, Libya, Egypt, Palestine and Lebanon in front of the World Economic Forum
(with photo) DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 26 (KUNA) – Prime ministers of Arab states have affirmed significance of the “Arab spring” events in struggle to attain liberties and democracy but caution that enormous challenges remain ahead on this path.
Dr. Hisham Qandil, the Prime Minister of Egypt, addressing the World Economic Forum, late on Friday, said “Egypt has inherited heavy economic burden full of problems and challenges, and this requires balance between goals of the revolution and factual conditions. (more…)
Trekking in Morocco
Jan 28
Posted by MoroccoTomorrow
Oye! Travel
Written by Ruth Kozak
My Moroccan trekking adventure began from the beautiful city of Marrakech near the foothills of the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains. I was with a group of trekkers from England: Ramblers Holidays.
The Ourika Valley
Ourika Valley
Our first trekking destination was the Ourika Valley in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. It was November, and the rainy season had begun in Morocco. The day before our trekking group arrived at the Ourika Valley, a flash flood had swept down the dry wadi, gouging away great chunks of the road and gnawing at the foundations of the mud-built Berber houses that perched dangerously above the river bank. (more…)
Algeria attack mastermind targets Maghreb
Jan 28
Posted by MoroccoTomorrow
Longtime al-Qaeda emir Mokhtar Belmokhtar reportedly used his Sahara ties to organise the In Amenas operation.
By Jemal Oumar for Magharebia in Nouakchott
![[File] Mokhtar Belmokhtar released a video to Sahara Media on January 17th claiming credit for the In Amenas terrorist attack.](http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/images/2013/01/25/130125Feature1Photo1.jpg)
[File] Mokhtar Belmokhtar released a video to Sahara Media on January 17th claiming credit for the In Amenas terrorist attack.
The In Amenas siege that left nearly 40 civilians dead last week is the latest terror operation by Mokhtar Belmokhtar, also known asKhaled Abou El Abbas or Laaouar.The mastermind of the Algerian gas facility attack is well known to Maghreb security officials.
For nearly 20 years, the one-eyed terrorist has left a bloody trail across Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Niger and Mali. (more…)
Morocco’s Tourism Sector – Is 2013 A Recovery Year?
Jan 28
Posted by MoroccoTomorrow
NEWS AND VIEWS FROM MOROCCO
The economic downturn in Europe and instability in Mali and Algeria are all contributing to the tourism sector’s slow recovery in Morocco. While there are some promising developments such as the Ryanair decision to use Marrakech and Fez as bases for their aircraft, there is still a touch of gloom in the tourist industry. Tourism experts say that concentrating on airline services and introducing medical tourism may be the key to a brighter future. (more…)
Morocco street vendors to gain rights
Jan 28
Posted by MoroccoTomorrow
Help for Morocco’s street vendors will soon arrive, government officials announced.
By Siham Ali for Magharebia in Rabat
[Hassan Benmehdi] Moroccan street vendors could reap rewards from a new government strategy to regulate the sector.
![[Hassan Benmehdi] Moroccan street vendors could reap rewards from a new government strategy to regulate the sector.](http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/images/2013/01/25/130125Feature3Photo1.jpg)
The minister said that the previous approach was unilateral and based on the settling of these traders by the authorities. A new organisational framework will be created to enable traders to work legally, he said told Parliament on January 8th.
After years of being ignored,Moroccan street traders will soon see much needed help, Industry and Trade Minister Abdelkader Amara told MPs last month.
Traders will be allowed to work at specific locations during set hours in towns. Amara also announced that the ministry intends to set up a fund to finance the new reform, which will include awareness-raising and training aimed at traders. (more…)
King Juan Carlos To Visit Morocco And Then Florida – OpEd
Jan 28
Posted by MoroccoTomorrow
Said Temsamani
At the invitation of King Mohammed VI, Spain’s King Juan Carlos will make a state visit to Morocco. This is the first time that the King of Spain will be on an official visit abroad after his hip surgery last November. His medical problems have sometimes forced to cancel his trips.
This visit is pregnant with meaning since the Spanish-Moroccan relations have witnessed ups and downs but the relations between the two monarchs has always been friendly and family like. In fact the close relations between the two royal families have always been tied and have never been impacted by frequent political and trade misunderstanding between the two neighboring countries. (more…)
Simple spices bring Morocco to the table
Jan 28
Posted by MoroccoTomorrow
By JILL L. REED
It sat on the shelf for a while, getting passed over for various books by Dr. Seuss and Eric Carle. Until one day when Ben decided he wanted to take a look. That was probably at least a month ago. And the atlas has been elevated from shelf status to coffee-table book, never far from reach.
Moroccan Interior Minister said his government supports French military action in Mali
Jan 28
Posted by MoroccoTomorrow
euronews
The Moroccan Interior Minister said his government supports French military action in Mali, as he hosted his counterparts from France, Spain and Portugal for a security summit.
Mohand Laenser also stressed that the four countries have a long history of cooperation in the region: (more…)
Walking Morocco’s beaches, with a yoga retreat thrown in for good measure
Jan 28
Posted by MoroccoTomorrow
Guided by a Tuareg tribe, our writer joins a nomadic retreat on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, walking from beach to beach, practising yoga and sleeping in a camp set up at a different spot each night
Deadly Riots Erupt Across Egypt on Anniversary of Revolution
Jan 27
Posted by MoroccoTomorrow
Andre Pain/European Press photo Agency
Demonstrators tried to break a barrier Friday in Cairo as protests erupted across Egypt against the Muslim Brotherhood. More Photos »
CAIRO — Violence erupted across Egypton Friday as tens of thousands of demonstrators filled Tahrir Square to mark the second anniversary of the country’s revolution with an outpouring of rage against the rise to power of theMuslim Brotherhood. At least seven protesters and two police officers were killed in clashes in Suez, the state news media said. (more…)
In Davos, examining the Arab Spring’s mixed bag
Jan 27
Posted by MoroccoTomorrow
AL ARABIYA
British Prime Minister David Cameron and Queen Rania of Jordan (R) addresses delegates during the annual meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos Jan.24, 2013. (AFP)
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
DAVOS / SWITZERLAND
The convulsions of the Arab world are taking center stage at this year’s World Economic Forum gathering in Davos, where leaders and experts are much preoccupied with the region’s bewildering combination of high hopes, deep disappointments and grave dangers that threaten to spill over borders. (more…)
Interior ministers of Morocco, France, Spain and Portugal sign security agreement
Jan 27
Posted by MoroccoTomorrow
AL ARABIYA NEWS
The interior ministers of Morocco, France, Spain and Portugal agree to strengthen their cooperation to better deal with security threats in the Sahel region. (Reuters)
By REUTERS
RABAT
Morocco has no plans to send troops to Mali although the North African kingdom supports France’s intervention against Islamist militants there, the Moroccan interior minister said on Friday (January 25). (more…)
Morocco : the Benkirane-Chabat Showdown
Jan 27
Posted by MoroccoTomorrow
The North Africa Post
Posted by Sabah Lebbar
Relations between the Head of the Government, Abdelilah Benkirane, and the leader of the Istiqlal Party, the backbone of the governmental coalition, Hamid Chabat, are growing more strained by the day.
Chabat’s harsh criticism of the government’s performance and his repeated calls for a cabinet reshuffle are the main bone of contention between the two men. (more…)