Virtual Magazine of Morocco on the Web
Morocco Week in Review 
December 16 , 2006

Morocco counts over 2,000 HIV/AIDS cases, expert.
Tangier, Dec. 13

AIDS prevalence in Morocco up to October 30 is estimated at 2,080 cases, 66% of which are people aged 15 to 40, revealed, here on Monday, Director of the Regional center for Sexually Transmitted illnesses (STI), Abdelmalek Aboud. Speaking at an awareness-raising meeting held on the occasion of the international day of action against AIDS, Aboud stressed that people over the age of 40 rank second with 31% of AIDS cases, whereas the children are also concerned with 3%. As far as geographical repartition is concerned, Aboud noted that 83% of AIDS cases prevail in metropolitan areas with a 60% concentration in the four largest provinces of Morocco.

The Souss-Massa-Draa province (south) accounts for 24% of AIDS cases, followed by the Marrakech province (16%), Casablanca (12%) and Rabat (10 %). The northern province of Tangier is sixth with 5% of the documented AIDS cases, he explained. Aboud also noted that despite efforts to fight AIDS, 54% of infection cases have been registered between 2001 and 2005. Touching on Morocco’s 2007-2011 national strategy to fight AIDS, he said that the USD 47Mn strategy aims at "raising the awareness of over a million persons, mainly high-risk populations, creating 150,000 screening centers and providing medical assistance 4,000 people instead of 1.580 currently.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/social/morocco_counts_over/view
--------------------------------------------------

Independent UN expert on education finds Morocco’s children have high drop-out rates .
8 December 2006

Moroccan children, especially girls, street kids and those living in rural areas, continue to drop out of school at unacceptably high rates, driven mainly by the lack of basic services such as sanitation, water and electricity, an independent United Nations human rights expert has concluded after touring the North African country.

Vernor Muñoz, the Special Rapporteur on the right to education, said in a statement issued yesterday following his trip that Morocco needs to make further efforts to ensure that children are able to stay in school, especially at the primary level.

He said “the lack of canteens and boarding facilities, coupled with a prevailing lack of sanitation, water and electricity supply in various rural areas, have a direct negative impact in the realization of the right to education, especially of girls.”

The statement urged Moroccan authorities to make special efforts to enrol and continue the education of the estimated population of 600,000 street children, starting by collecting data on those children and on girls who serve as domestic workers.

But Mr. Muñoz welcomed the “very positive institutional and legislative measures” taken by Morocco, including the enshrining of the right to education in the national constitution, the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the adoption of a national charter for education and training that includes the incorporation of human rights teaching into the curriculum.

He praised authorities for their efforts to introduce the language and culture of the Amazigh (Berber) peoples into the curriculum, as well as attempts to combat widespread illiteracy, although he added that the quality of the literacy programmes needs to be improved.

During his visit from 27 November to 5 December, Mr. Muñoz toured primary, secondary and high schools across the country and met with the Minister for Education, the Minister of Religious, Endowment and Islamic Affairs and other senior Government officials. He also held talks with scholars, teacher unions, UN staffers, representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and others.

Mr. Muñoz will present a full report on his visit to the Human Rights Council at its session in March next year. Special Rapporteurs, unpaid experts who serve in an independent personal capacity, received their mandate from the defunct UN Commission in Human Rights and now report to the newly established and enhanced Human Rights Council.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=20904&Cr=morocco&Cr1=
--------------------------------------------------

WB earmarks USD 100Mn to fund Morocco's INDH.
Rabat, Dec 15

The World Bank and Morocco signed, here Friday, a USD 100Mn loan agreement to support Morocco's National Initiative for Human Development (INDH). Announced by king Mohammed VI in May 18, 2005, the large-scale social initiative is designed to provide basic infrastructure to millions, from adequate housing and drinking water to health care and education.

The Washington-based WB administration board approved, on Tuesday, this loan that aims to back INDH implementation for 2007 through 2010 and to complete State financing by the means of financial and technical assistance.

Washington, Dec.13 - The World Bank administration board approved, on Tuesday, a USD 100Mn assistance credit line to support Morocco's National Initiative for Human Development (INDH). This loan aims to back INDH implementation for 2007 through 2010 and to complete State financing by the means of financial and technical assistance.

Announced by king Mohammed VI in May 18, 2005, the large-scale social initiative is designed to provide basic infrastructure to millions, from adequate housing and drinking water to health care and education. The international financial institution considers the INDH to be in adequacy with its cooperation strategy with the kingdom for 2005-2009. In November, Morocco and the World Bank have wrapped up the negotiations on funds worth USD 90.80Mn, that the world finance body granted to the North African country as support to the INDH.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/economy/wb_earmarks_usd_100m/view
--------------------------------------------------

EIB funds USD-276Mn pollution control and electrification projects in Morocco.
Rabat, Dec. 14

The European Investment Bank (EIB) lent Morocco some USD 276Mn to fund two projects related to the pollution control of the Sebou River (north) and to rural electrification, the global cost of which exceeds USD 1Bn. The conventions have been signed, here Thursday, by EIB Vice-Chairman, Philippe de Fontaine Vive, and the CEOs of Morocco's water and electricity utilities, (ONEP) and (ONE), respectively.

EIB's loan is part of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership (Euromed II). The Sebou River pollution control project will be contributed to by ONEP (USD 15.8Mn), a donation of the European Commission (USD 32.9Mn), the French Development Agency -AFD- (13.1 millions) and the EIB (USD 52.7Mn).

This USD 114Mn-project is meant namely to expand and reinforce waste water network, drain rainwater, build a water purification plant and provide over 572,800 people in major metropolitan areas such as Fès, Meknes and Taza (all center).

The Rural electrification project II, amounting to USD 701 Euro, will be funded by ONE (USD 470.8Mn), AFD (USD 59.3Mn), the Japan Bank For International Cooperation (JBIC) (USD 61.9Mn), the EIB(USD 224.1Mn). Speaking at the signing ceremony, Moroccan Finance Minister, Fathallah Oualalou said the project would benefit 327,500 households in 8.375 villages throughout the kingdom. In 2006, the EIB granted Morocco about USD 263.7 Mn to fund several projects relating to infrastructure, agriculture, energy, environment, training and health.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/economy/eib_funds_usd-276mn/view
--------------------------------------------------

Japan grants Morocco over USD 10Mn to prevent floods.
Rabat, Dec.14

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently granted Morocco some USD 10.6Mn to fund its flood protection national program, under an agreement signed, last month, with the State Secretariat in charge of Water (SEE).

Following the Ourika (central Morocco) floods that claimed the lives of 200 persons in 1995, the government implemented flood prevention programs that proved to be efficient during the flash floods that hit southern provinces in 2006.

The government also dedicated over USD 76Mn to carry out 24 flood protection projects in 2002 through 2006. This Japanese donation aims at purchasing fertilizers that are used in small and medium size dams construction and in water resources management, carried out in partnership with Moroccan SEE, according to the document.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/economy/japan_grants_morocco_1/view
--------------------------------------------------

Tourism to yield about USD 6Bn in 2006.
Agadir (center-west), Dec. 9

Tourism Minsiter, Adil Douiri revealed, here Saturday, that the field of tourism is expected to yield about MAD 50Bn, some USD 5.9Bn, that is an increase of 20% compared to last year. Taking the floor at the opening of the Fourth Conference on Tourism in the Atlantic coast city of Agadir, Douiri said that the total number of tourism is due to rise 10% in the current year, in comparison to 2005, while that of tourists (excluding Moroccan expatriates) will increase 15%.

The minister admitted 2006 "illustrates the difficulties" that face the Vision 2010 strategy -which aims to attract 10 million tourists. The two-day conference convenes under the motto "A Shared Vision, Committed Operators." It take place on the eve of the International Conference on Tourist scheduled for upcoming Mars in Fès, center. The 500 participants in the debates will discuss the development of human resources; the reinforcement of the present institutional steering tools; and the promotion of a responsible tourism.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/economy/tourism_to_yield_abo/view
--------------------------------------------------

39% of Moroccan citizens are illiterate, Minister.
Marrakech, Dec. 12

About 9 million Moroccans are illiterate in Morocco in 2006, i.e. an estimated illiteracy rate of 39%, 55% among of which are women living mainly in the countryside, revealed, here Monday, the State Secretary for Literacy and non-Formal Education, Anis Birou.

Presenting a report on "literacy tuition, strong pillar of human development," at a meeting held by a higher education private institution, the Minister explained that literacy campaigns carried out since independence were unable to give satisfactory results because they suffered from rupture and did not accompany the mentality changes and Moroccan society evolutions.

Morocco aspires to provide literacy classes to one million people per year, lower the illiteracy rate to 20% by 2010 and eradicate this phenomenon by 2015, he recalled. Some 655,478 people attended literacy classes during the 2005-2006 school year. Fighting illiteracy is a “major challenge” that Morocco has undertaken since its independence, said Birou, noting that his department has set up a new strategy that draws lessons from the past and is open to foreign successful experiences in the field.

During this meeting an agreement was signed between State Secretariat for Literacy and non-Formal Education and the “fondation recherche en éducation et système d'organisation"(RESO) and a second convention was signed between the foundation, the National Education Delegation of Marrakech and the association "Grand Atlas".
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/social/39_of_moroccan_citi/view
--------------------------------------------------

Morocco lacks resources to treat kidney patients.
By Sarah Touarhi  14/12/2006

Thousands of new cases of kidney disease are diagnosed every year in Morocco. But because of the country's limited medical resources, many patients don't get the care they need. Each year around 4,000 new cases of renal insufficiency, or kidney failure, are seen in Morocco. The country's weak medical infrastructure, lack of doctors and the way cases are taken on poses a serious problem for treating kidney disease.

According to the World Health Organisation, the annual death rate from intrinsic kidney and urinary tract disease was one million people worldwide in 2002. According to Kidney International, the official journal of the International Society of Nephrology, today more than one million individuals worldwide are alive on maintenance dialysis, a number that is projected to double in the next decade.

Early treatment has a high success rate, but many people are not able to get treatment until they are in the final stages of the illness. "The majority of patients are on limited incomes and have no health insurance. Each day, I hear of the death of a kidney disease patient who was not receiving treatment due to a lack of funds. Kidney dialysis centres have limited capacity," Abdelilah El Kabbaj, vice president of the Moroccan association of kidney disease patients, said.

According to nephrologist Amale Bourquia, the majority of patients do not seek treatment until they have reached the terminal phase and are forced to undergo periodic kidney dialysis treatment. More than a year ago, the health minister set up a national register for chronic terminal renal insufficiency. An inquiry in April 2005 revealed there is a lack of equipment and human resources in the country.

There are just 131 kidney dialysis centres in Morocco -- 12 at universities, 37 public ones, nine are part-public, 71 are private, and 2 are military. There are 131 nephrologists, 665 nurses and 373 care assistants, as well as 21 general practitioners shared across 10 centres with nephrologists and 11 centres without nephrologists.

According to the Moroccan Health Ministry, 4,845 patients are currently being offered kidney dialysis -- which is 162 per million people in the country. El Kebbaj says that Morocco is far behind Tunisia -- which is 570 per million, Egypt -- with 340 per million people, and the United States -- which is 1,160 per million people -- in terms of treating kidney patients.

El Kebbaj says those on limited incomes are the hardest hit. The price of a single private session is 600 to 800 dirhams. A patient needs two to three sessions per week, as well as medicines. Thanks to their relatives sharing expenses, some kidney disease sufferers manage to collect the money needed to pay for their dialysis sessions in private hospitals.

This is not a solution, El Kebbaj says. He feels that only the introduction of a medical assistance regime for the underprivileged can save patients. "My family cannot provide the funds for dialysis over the long term. I need 5,000 dirhams to survive while I’m unemployed," Anas Farrane, who has suffered from renal insufficiency for two years, said.

Bouquia thinks that transplants represent the only good solution. "Transplants are proving essential as the first-choice alternative for the treatment of chronic renal insufficiency, both in terms of survival results and quality of life."

In Morocco, the only organs transplanted are kidneys and corneas. Rabat University Hospital has conducted 51 kidney transplant operations and Casablanca University Hospital 45. However, there are legal impediments holding back the development of transplants in Morocco, based on the fear that organ transplants will become a commercial operation as in India and Brazil.

Only persons related to the patient, including spouses, can offer kidneys for transplant. The organ must be donated free of charge and consent to the removal of the organ must be declared before a judge in court. http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2006/12/14/feature-01
--------------------------------------------------

Award-Winning Film on Morocco is Released on DVD.
The award-winning documentary "Morocco: The Past and Present of Djemma el Fna," about the story tellers, musicians, acrobats and snake charmers of Marrakech's legendary public square, has been released to universities, public libraries and consumers in the DVD format. The short documentary features travelers from the United States, Ireland and Japan, who encounter costumed monkeys dancing to wild drum beats, a storyteller surrounded by awed faces of children and a turbaned snake charmer coaxing a cobra from his basket with his flute-like instrument, the ghaita. The film was first presented at New York's Museum of Modern Art, and has received film festival awards in Chicago, Washington D.C., Houston and Atlanta.

New York, NY (PRWeb) December 13, 2006 -- The award-winning documentary, "Morocco: The Past and Present of Djemma el Fna," about the story tellers, musicians, acrobats and snake charmers of Marrakech's legendary public square, has been released to universities, public libraries and consumers in the DVD format. The short documentary features travelers from the United States, Japan and Ireland, who encounter costumed monkeys dancing to wild drum beats, a storyteller surrounded by awed faces of children and a turbaned snake charmer coaxing a cobra from his basket with his flute-like instrument, the ghaita.

Since its release in 1995, the documentary has been widely distributed in the United States; it has introduced Americans to one of Morocco's most historic locales, a site that has enchanted visitors for centuries. New York-based producer Steven Montgomery spent two weeks filming at the Place Djemma el Fna, and portrayed Marrakech's square as a venue for peaceful cultural exchange between Arabs and Westerners. His interview with snake charmer Belaid Farrouss and his children in their Marrakech home has become one of the most noted scenes of the documentary. The film features original music by Moroccan composer and singer Hassan Hakmoun.

Recently, Montgomery was honored to receive congratulations on the success of his film from André Azoulay, Counselor to the King of Morocco. Mr. Azoulay stated: "I am very pleased to see that your documentary is now being used at universities and libraries in 34 states. It is a real achievement and you can be proud of it. It is also a major breakthrough for Morocco in terms of knowledge and pedagogy in American universities and in the community of students."

Initially, when Montgomery proposed his project, he encountered resistance from wealthy potential investors in Marrakech, one of whom protested, "You will not make this film! We do not want our city represented by this dirty place of the poor!" However, Montgomery was fortunate to have found encouragement and support from many Moroccans, including the former Director of the Centre Cinématographique Marocain (CCM), Souheil Ben Barka, who stated in a letter: "I wish you much success in the making of your film. I am convinced that your documentary on the Place Djemma el Fna will bring wonderful publicity to our country."

"Morocco: The Past and Present of Djemma el Fna," was first presented at New York's Museum of Modern Art, and has received film festival awards in Chicago, Washington D.C., Houston and Atlanta. It has become one of the most widely distributed films for use in the field of Middle East Studies, and has been acquired by such noted institutions as Harvard University, Columbia University, Duke University and Georgetown University.

Montgomery commented on his experience in Morocco. "Moroccan people were so kind and generous to me as I was working on the documentary. Moroccan hospitality is a central theme of my film in which visitors from around the world visit the Place Djemma El Fna. I am pleased that through the wide distribution of my film, so many Americans have learned of this tradition of hospitality, which I experienced myself, as I was so warmly welcomed in the beautiful country of Morocco."

"Morocco: The Past and Present of Djemma el Fna" is available for purchase at the Web site: www.moroccofilm.com

For more information, please contact:
Steven Montgomery
400 West 43rd Street, 34A
New York, New York 10036
Tel.: 212-736-9279
Cell: 646-267-9113
www.moroccofilm.com
http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2006/12/emw490291.htm
--------------------------------------------------

Rare Churchill painting 'View Of Tinghir' sold for USD 487k.
London, Dec. 11

A rare Winston Churchill painting "View of Tinghir" has been sold for USD 487k at auction, reported Saturday British press. View of Tenghir, a Moroccan town in the desert near the Atlas mountains, was completed in 1951 in Marrakech that wartime British Premier often visited to write his memoirs and to paint. It was sold at Sotheby's, by Kitty Winn, granddaughter of US General George Marshall, to whom Churchill gave the painting as a gift in 1953.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/culture/rare_churchill_paint/view
--------------------------------------------------

Cosmetic surgery boom hits Morocco .
08/12/2006

Due to reasonable prices, well-trained doctors, high-quality infrastructure and alluring packages, cosmetic surgery is on the rise in Morocco. Locals, foreigners and a variety of economic classes are increasingly seeking cosmetic procedures in the country. …. Read more by clicking on:
http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2006/12/08/feature-02
--------------------------------------------------

Magical Morocco.
Published on: Friday, 8th December, 2006

Marrakech in Morocco is loud, fast, smelly and vibrant, in both the good and bad sense of every word. It’s a very different world indeed, and nowhere more so than Djemaa el Fna, Marrakech’s main square. If Morocco is the meeting place of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Djemaa el Fna is the collision.

Eerie snake charmers’ music battles for attention alongside storytellers, while the tooth puller relaxes behind a rug displaying dentures mingling with the real thing. Berber women sell handmade baskets during the day, and provide henna tattoos into the evening, as a string of stalls offer just-squeezed orange juice and a range of fresh food, from snails to pitta, while the mint of the ubiquitous tea scents the air. Read more by clicking here:
http://www.7days.ae/2006/12/08/magical-morocco.html#continueStory
--------------------------------------------------

Moroccans find comfort, convenience and camaraderie in trains.
15/12/2006

The Rabat-Fez train takes passengers through breathtaking scenery of simple villages and farms. In the crowded carriages, some find companionship with fellow train riders as they wait to arrive at their destinations. It is 6:50am at Rabat's Agdal Station. Passengers rush towards the entrance to make sure they get on the train to Casablanca, while others wait impatiently. A large queue is formed at the ticket windows -- it takes 15 minutes to get a ticket for Fez.

With ten minutes to go before the train arrives, all the benches are taken. A woman offers a place given up by her 10-year-old son, Hatim. With a friendly smile, Faïza, Hatim's mother, asks if I'm going to Fez. The loudspeaker announces the train's arrival. Hatim and Faïza hurry forward. It's no easy task to get into the carriage. All the passengers rush forward to board at the same time, as though it were some kind of race.

In the train, the first five compartments are already full. In the sixth, Hatim's mother has saved me a seat. "I'm used to taking the train. The one that goes to Fez is always full to bursting. That's why I try to be among the first to board," she says. Every weekend, Faïza goes to Fez to see her mother. After practically a year, she has gotten used to the rhythm of this life. She says the comfort of the train makes the trip easier.

Hatim amuses himself by moving from one compartment to another. "When we travel by bus, I feel like a prisoner. I love taking the train because I feel free," she says. On hearing her, El Haj Ali, a 60-year-old man cannot help but smile. A conversation is quickly struck up among the passengers. "What a good thing the long-distance trains are all divided into compartments. This makes it very easy to chat to the other passengers," he says.

The train stops briefly at Rabat-ville Station. A few passengers stand, waiting for seats to become available. They don't seem to mind. Some chat and others read newspapers.

Through the window, I can see the edge of the Oued Bouregreg, being developed for the Rabat century project. In a few years, this view will be completely transformed. The wildness, extending over a number of kilometres, will give way to a large tourist complex. "The Bouregreg project will transform the face of the capital," comments Faïza.

In the Salé Station, the train gets even more crowded. Those inside the compartments feel privileged. El Haj says that adding more trains would ensure passengers can be comfortable. Smiling, the ticket collector reminds him that the Casa-Fez line timetables have been reworked to offer departures every two hours between 6am and 10pm. "The future introduction of double-decker passenger carriages will relieve the overcrowding problem," he adds.

A few moments later, voices are raised. An adolescent who has not bought a ticket refuses to leave at the next stop. The ticket collector has been trying in vain to explain the rules. "But I absolutely have to get to Sidi Kacem on time. My father is waiting for me. I don't have money for the ticket," he says, his eyes brimming with tears. A lady brings the situation to a close by paying for the disputed ticket.

Returning to my compartment, my seat is no longer empty. "Dash off somewhere and you lose your seat," Faïza says. It's hard to move in the corridor. I try to see what I can from the window. The countryside could not be more magnificent. The Maamora forest passes, offering a splendid sight. The trees are lined up side by side in a perfect arrangement. Unfortunately, this beautiful stretch of oaks between Rabat and Kenitra is faced with the threat of illegal loggers.

The train stops in Kenitra. I'm jostled on all sides. Suddenly the corridors are empty. I return to my seat beside Faïza. Hatim is quietly doing his school work. "He's gotten used to doing his homework on the train," Faïza says. Five minutes later, the train starts moving again. At 8:55am, the train arrives in Sidi Kacem. Those heading towards Tangiers rush to exit and change trains. Other passengers sit beside me.

A few minutes later, I sit back and admire the countryside of green fields extending as far as the eye can see with the sun shining in all its glory. The ploughing season has started, even though rainfall has been low. El Haj says he is worried about the drought which could threaten Morocco this year. Shanty towns and dilapidated houses appear from time to time. In a few years, such scenes are likely to change. Morocco has set a target to completely eradicate substandard housing by 2008.

The train arrives in Fez at 10:55am, 20 minutes late. The passengers head towards the exit, but with great calm this time. The city of Fez welcomes them with open arms. This reportage is the third of a three-part series on train travel in Maghreb countries. In past weeks, we rode on Algeria's railways and took a trip from Tunis to the Algerian border.
http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/reportage/2006/12/15/reportage-01
############################################

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.