Egyptian, Brazilian Awarded King Hassan II World Prize for Water
Think-tank cuts Morocco GDP forecast on Iraq fears 
UN human rights commission: Morocco renews resolve to consolidate the rule of law
Activities of Rabat capital of Arab culture for 2003 launched tonight
Moroccan press fearful of aftermath of US adventurism
Morocco denies al-Jazira's reports on us embassy closure
Morocco's citrus fruits exports post 7% rise
Morocco and Senegal to seek Japan's financing to Rosso bridge
Finance, privatization minister meets European travel group Energumen

Egyptian, Brazilian Awarded King Hassan II World Prize for Water

Kyoto, Mar.16 - Jerson Kelman, chairman and manager of Brazil's national water agency, and Mahmoud Abu Zeid, Egyptian minister of water resources and irrigation, were awarded the "Hassan II world prize for water". The prize, an equivalent to the Nobel prize in terms of prestige and finality, was awarded this Sunday in Kyoto in a ceremony chaired by HRH Prince Moulay Rachid in the presence of crown prince Naruhito of Japan, Crown Prince Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and other outstanding figures in the fringes of the opening session of the 3rd world water forum.  

The jury comprises three representatives of the Moroccan government and three members chosen by the world water council. It is chaired by Moroccan minister of territory development, water and environment. Following a meeting held in Rabat on January 17, the jury examined 25 candidates for the prize and finally awarded it to Dr. Jerson Kelman and Dr. Mahmud Abu Zaid.  Dr. Jerson Kelman has conducted important scientific research and developed mathematical models of hydrology and water planning. He is member to the electric energy research center and the board of PROAGUA, a program meant to alleviate drought effects on northern Brazilian cities. Kelman was assigned by the Brazilian president to finalize the creation of the Brazilian water agency, which he headed as of 2001. Egypt's Mahmoud Abu-Zeid is among the world's outstanding water experts. He is a lecturer, engineer and researcher. He was head of Egypt's national water research center and is presently serving as minister of water resources and irrigation in Egypt. Abu Zeid is author of hundreds of books and research works in the field of water, irrigation, draining, underground water and environment. 

The Hassan II world prize for water, endowed with US$ 100,000 in cash, a trophy and a certificate, was instituted in the 2nd world water forum held in The Hague in 2000 in memory of HM the late King Hassan II for distinguished leadership and encouragement of cooperation and sound management of water resources.  The prize is extended every three years to an institution, organization, individual, or group in recognition to outstanding achievements in any aspect of water resources-scientific, economic, technical, environmental, social, institutional, cultural, or political. The theme for the 1st prize is "Cooperation and solidarity in management and development in water resources".  Morocco hosted the first forum of the kind in 1997. 

 http://www.map.co.ma/mapeng/eng.htm

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Think-tank cuts Morocco GDP forecast on Iraq fears

CASABLANCA, Morocco, March 19 (Reuters) - The likely war in Iraq led a leading think-tank on Wednesday to cut its forecast for Morocco's 2003 gross domestic product (GDP) growth to 4.1 percent from 5.8 percent.  The government's own forecast for this year's GDP growth in the North African country is 5.5 percent.  The independent Centre Marocain de Conjoncture (CMC) said a negative impact from war in Iraq would be particularly felt in construction and infrastructure spending and in services, including tourism.  Higher oil prices, especially if a war in Iraq lasts several months, could slow public spending, CMC member Mohammed Tahraoui told reporters.  With prospects for the agricultural sector good, following heavy rainfall last autumn and in early spring, the CMC revised upwards its projection for Morocco's cereal production in 2003.  Its current forecast is for between 6.5 and 7.0 million tonnes of cereals produced, up from the forecast it made last July of 5.5 million tonnes.  However, factoring in likely weaker demand in Europe as a result of war in Iraq and higher costs, the CMC cut its forecast for agricultural sector growth -- the traditional engine of the Moroccan economy -- by two percentage points to 15.5 percent.  Inflation is seen picking up further to 3.6 percent, with its low level reflecting sluggish demand and economic activity rather than any anti-inflation measures. Inflation was at 2.9 percent in 2002, according to official figures.

The CMC expects household spending to increase by only about 0.9 percent in 2003, a lower level than if there was no war in Iraq. "This means a perceptible decline in living standards as measured by real per capita consumption," the CMC said.  Finance ministry sources said that the official forecast for this year's economic growth was likely to be revised downwards in order to factor in war in Iraq, but it was still seen higher than last year's GDP growth of 4.5 percent.  Officials see a good harvest counter-balancing much of the negative effect of the Iraq crisis. ((Reporting by Eileen Byrne, Editing by Will Hardie; Rabat newsroom, +212-37 720065 fax +212-37 722499, rabat.newsroom@reuters.com ))

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UN human rights commission: Morocco renews resolve to consolidate the rule of law

Morocco, Politics, 3/20/2003

Morocco's Human Rights minister, Mohammed Aujjar, renewed on Tuesday before the United Nations Human Rights Commission that Morocco is determined to promote the rule of law and enhance democracy. Aujjar assured the UN Commission, convening its 59^th session that "the Moroccan government is committed to carry on institutional reforms." Morocco is keen on consolidating civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights to promote liberties, fight exclusions and enhance women and children's rights, he added.

Touching on Morocco's political and human rights progress, the Moroccan official said following the last legislative elections thirty women are currently parliament members and the authorities are making significant efforts to shelve past human rights cases." He added. The reform of the human rights consultative council and creation of "Diwan Al  adhalem" (ombudsman) in conformity with Paris Treaty are other facets of Morocco's endeavors to promote human rights respect, stressed Aujjar.

http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/030320/2003032025.html

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Activities of Rabat capital of Arab culture for 2003 launched tonight

Morocco-Regional, Culture, 3/20/2003

Rabat will officially launch activities featured as part of the Capital of Arab Culture for 2003 in a ceremony to be in Rabat held next Saturday, under the theme: "Morocco, land of encounters." Morocco's culture minister, Mohamed Achaari, said recently that events scheduled as part of "Rabat, 2003 Arab culture capital" are an opportunity to showcase the Moroccan cultural diversity and richness.

The year-long activities slated for this event will underscore Morocco's strategic position as a link and crossroads of civilizations between the Arab states, Europe and Africa and portray a positive image of Morocco. Several colloquia, exhibitions and movies are scheduled during the event, while the Moroccan capital's traditional annual festivals will be maintained. Cultural weeks will be devoted to several Arab states to bring out their artistic, literary and musical richness. Drama, poetry and civilizations are other highlights of happenings scheduled in the capital's theaters and other sites.

http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/030320/2003032026.html

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Moroccan press fearful of aftermath of US adventurism

Morocco-Iraq, Politics, 3/22/2003

The Moroccan press comments this Friday mixed criticism and denunciation of the US-led war in Iraq, solidarity with the Iraqi people and fears over the aftermath of the US "adventurism" in the Middle East. Moroccan dailies and weeklies parade such various titles as "Towards a new world order," "Adventurism," "Bush Precipitates the Planet in War," "the Law of the strong" and "Outlaw Bush."

"In what state will this dangerous precedent leave the world? What role will  international law still have in the community of nations? And what weight will a discredited and ridiculed UNO still have?" asks Aujourd'hui le Maroc. As we are witnessing the extermination of a people, who is next on the list? the paper wonders.

In a more outspoken analysis, Maroc Ouest says this war aims, above all, to destabilize the Arab states in order "to rebuild it according to schemes that serve Washington's interests." The world entered a new phase where "state dictatorship is justified by new concepts such as terrorism, the axis of evil and peace with weapons," the daily goes.

In its editorial, Liberation expects the war to precipitate the world in uncertainty and unexpected dangers, voicing hope that in the US, more serene and level-headed voices will intervene to lay some moderation to these extremist trends, "because peace is a right of all nations."

La Vie Eco warns the Arab states that by adopting a passive attitude it will not be shielded from turmoil, while the already-weakened Europe will certainly never become a political power, despite its economic and monetary weight.

In a more optimistic tone, Bayane Al Yaoum, writes that the start of hostilities does not mean the end of political efforts, mobilization and initiatives to stop the aggression, restore peace and stability and preserve Iraq's unity and sovereignty.

For Attajammua, the main victims of the conflict will be children, women, the elderly, Iraq's resources and developing countries' economies. War only worsens world insecurity, it stresses.

Annidal Addimoqrati speculates that if the US destroys Iraq, it will have to assume the historical responsibility of having plunged the world back in anarchy and the non-respect of law.

The newspapers also commented on the speech delivered by King Mohammed VI on Thursday and note the royal call to Moroccans to manifest "wisdom and circumspection" in this "fateful circumstances as events in Iraq are taking a dangerous turn."

http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/030322/2003032222.html

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Morocco denies al-Jazira's reports on us embassy closure

Morocco-USA, Politics, 3/22/2003

Morocco's Communication ministry said on Friday that the United States Embassy continues to discharge its duties normally, denying Thursday's reports by Qatar-based Arab satellite TV channel "Al Jazira." In a clarification sent to the news TV channel, the Communication ministry said that  news reported by the Al Jazira Channel are unfounded and that the US embassy in Morocco is discharging duties normally."

While regretting that Al-Jazira failed to cross-check information, the Moroccan communication ministry cited the US embassy's first secretary Magda Siekert, who told MAP on Friday that the US embassy "discharges its duties normally on a daily basis."  The US diplomat was also quoted by AP as saying "we trust the security extended to us by the Moroccan authorities." The US embassy in Morocco is not on the State Department's list of US embassies that closed doors in several countries around the world, adds the Communication minister. The Moroccan ministry also called on Al Jazira to take the necessary measures to correct the false information it broadcast.

http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/030322/2003032220.html

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Morocco's citrus fruits exports post 7% rise

Morocco, Economics, 3/22/2003

Exports of citrus fruits has increased by 7% up to March 10, reaching 297,200 tons compared to 277,400 tons in the last harvest, said the Ministry of agriculture and rural development.  As to exports of early fruits and vegetables, they were estimated at 136,000 tons which is nearly the same level as last year. In the same period, exports of various fruits and vegetables increased to 77,000 tons, marking a 17% rise in comparison with the last harvest, said the ministry.

http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/030322/2003032224.html

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Morocco and Senegal to seek Japan's financing to Rosso bridge

Morocco-Senegal, Economics, 3/21/2003

Morocco and Senegal confirmed plans to seek Japan's funding to build a bridge on the Senegal river, that is part of the Dakar-Tangiers road. According to Senegalese press agency (APS), Moroccan and Senegalese equipment, infrastructure and transport ministers examined at a meeting in Rabat on Wednesday plans to carry out the ambitious road project, in conformity with the two African countries' heads of state.

Building the Rosso bridge is for the time being the missing link in achieving the Dakar-Tangiers road, said Moroccan transports minister, Karim Ghallab. To date, only the road linking two Mauritanian cities Nouadhibou and Nouakchott is being built, thanks to funds obtained by Mauritania. The 500 Km-long road will be completed in 2005 and building a toll-free bridge over the Senegal river is a strong symbol of the dynamism of Moroccan-Senegalese longstanding relations, said the Moroccan official. The two officials also examined the creation of a Casablanca-Dakar maritime line.

http://www.arabicnews.com/ansub/Daily/Day/030321/2003032123.html

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Finance, privatization minister meets European travel group Energumen

Morocco-European Union, Business, 3/21/2003

Moroccan minister of finance and privatization, Fathallah Oulaalou, met in Rabat Tuesday a delegation of the European group "Envergure" specialized in low-cost tourism and catering. The group, Europe's second biggest one, owns 900 three-star hotels across the continent and a chain of restaurants. The "Envergure" executives are visiting Morocco to prospect possibilities of setting up a network of economical hotels across the kingdom. The Moroccan minister promised to support their projects.

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