By Karima Rhanem | Morocco TIMES 7/31/2005 | 4:20 pm
Could you believe Studio 2M's finalist Mouna Roukachi, who masters only English and Swedish, performed in Moroccan dialect? Well yes, she did. Her enthusiasm and eagerness to please the Moroccan audience motivated her to make double efforts to sing Moroccan.
This active, amusing and lively “little Donna Summer” is one of the three winners of Studio 2M Grand Prix. She, along with Hatim Amor, was chosen by the public to be this year's Studio 2M title holders (Mouna in Western Music and Hatim in Arabic/Moroccan music).
However, that was not the only title 2M had scheduled for this year. There was another prestigious award, the Jury Grand Prize which went to Leïla Gouchi who attracted the audience with her eminent and beautiful voice.
Leïla Gouchi, a prestigious singer
Everyone remembered how the Moroccan renowned Oud player Haj Youness, a jury member, was so enthusiastic after Leïla Gouchi's performance of her contest song “El Asami” by the late Tunisian singer Zekra.
“When I hear Leila singing, I just forget that I am a jury member, but one of the audience charmed by her beautiful voice,” said Haj Youness. Khaled Selim, a famous Egyptian singer, who attended one of Studio 2 M prime time-shows, was also 'bewitched' by Leila's voice.
On Saturday, Leila excelled in performing three songs: Zekra's “El Asami” (her contest song), Abdelwahab Doukali's “Marsoul El Hob' (Moroccan song out of competition), and Queen's famous song “We're the champions” (jointly performed with final candidates Rizlaine Rhadi and Mouna Roukachi, and Canadian singer Jean-Sébastien Lavoie).
Before Saturday's prime-time show, Leila told Morocco Times that “no matter what happened, she will accept the results of the competition, because it's the public who will have the last word”.
Gouchi highlighted, in a previous interview with Morocco Times, the importance of choosing the song contest, “because it plays a crucial role in one's selection,” she said.
“When choosing a song, you should ensure that your voice works for the style of music you want to sing. You should also choose a song that makes the public interact with you,” said Leila.
Leila Gouchi, 27, is currently living in Canada and pursuing a degree in Tourism. She started singing at the age of seven and performed in many programmes dedicated to children, namely “Al Kanat Assaghira” (The small channel).
Leila has taken part in various contests and festivals. These include Noujoum Al Ghad in 1996, the Halifax Festival and the Festival of the Arab world in Canada. She has already recorded a CD in which she revived Arab classical songs. A great fan of cinema, Leila is also a snooker amateur.
Mouna Roukachi, 'little Donna Summer'
As expected, Mouna was awarded the Studio 2M prize for the Western music category. Most Moroccans predicted her success from the first time when she performed Michael Jackson's “The way you make me feel”
Now that she performed the 1983 'Hot Stuff” by the "Queen of Disco", Donna Summer, Mouna proved to be a real talented artist. Fan of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and Beyonce, Mouna could be perfect in R'n'B, soul or even blues, let alone if she performed one of the Lumzy Sisters songs. The jury have even predicted Mouna could be a talented vocalist.
Despite her Moroccan-accented English, her love for Morocco motivated her to make much effort to pronounce Moroccan dialect correctly for her out of competition Moroccan song. And she appealed the millions of Moroccans who were watching her either at home or outside in the streets, where 2M had displayed big screens in 17 cities throughout Morocco.
Mouna Roukachi is the year's surprise, as many Moroccans called her. Strong-voiced, active, dedicated, Mouna, a Swedish of Moroccan origin, is a goalkeeper and a Taekwondo champion in her native city Umea in Sweden. Only 19, Mouna has just got her A-Level. Her passion for singing makes her decide to participate in Studio 2M, postponing her own album. But this wasn't her first start. Mouna is already famous in Sweden after her remarkable participation in a reality TV show “Pop Idol”. Today Mouna is called on to perform in festivals dedicated to raise funds to support AIDS patients.
Hatim Ammor, the gentleman
After performing Mohammed El Hayani's “Ya Sidi Ana Hor”, Hatim Ammor has seduced the public with his charming voice. He was one of the strong candidates to win the Studio 2M title for the Arabic/Moroccan music category, competing with three ladies.
Perseverant, Hatim Ammor has decided to lead an artistic career. He started singing at the age of 11. After finishing his studies, Hatim decided to concentrate on music. He participated in a number of star-maker programmes including "Noujoum wa noujoum" in 2001, "Casting Stars" in 2003 and "Star Academy" Lebanon in 2004.
Winning the Studio 2M award, Hatim is proud of his achievements. All along the prime-time shows, Hatim was careful to choose unforgettable songs of renowned Moroccan and Arabic singers including Mohamed Abdelwahab, Abdelhadi Belkhayat and Fadl Chakir.
On Saturday, he performed Wael Gassar's “Koli Yawm” (his contest song), but was more appealing in his out of competition song “Matakchi Biya” by prominent Moroccan singer Abdelhadi Belkhayat.
Artists and future stars
A number of Moroccan and foreign artists attended the final prime-time show and shared with the seven candidates their successes.
These include Abderrahim Souiri (Morocco), Latifa Raafat (Morocco), Slaï (Guadeloupe), Jean-Sébastien Lavoie (Canada), Willy Denzey (France), Mariam Fares (Lebanon), and the 2004 Studio 2M stars Joudia and Aziz.
2M takes audience to 1970s
2M surprised its audience on Saturday by taking them to the 1970s with the Euro-Disco group Boney M, who was a European phenomenon during the '70s. The group performed their successful song "Daddy Cool", whose sales increased to 100.000 singles each week in Germany in 1976.
"Daddy Cool" became Boney M's Number 1 in Germany in July 1976, and a Top-10-Hit in December of the same year in the UK.
They also performed their 1977 song, "Ma Baker", mixing it with their 1978, "Rivers of Babylon"/ "Brown Girl in the Ring", which became the second-biggest selling single in U.K. chart history.
Boney M was not the only surprise 2M prepared for its viewers. The show was also honoured by the presence of the outstanding Moroccan singer Raja Bil Maleeh. She made her first contact with the Moroccan audience in Saturday's prime-time show after a long absence from the artistic scene.
Bil Maleeh was struggling with breast cancer and was being treated in one of Paris hospitals. Now that she recovered, Bil Maleeh promised her audience new songs and new musical styles in different Arabic dialects. The Moroccan audience had the opportunity to hear live extracts from her new album “Hasib” (be careful).
The final candidates had performed duos with Moroccan singer Latifa Raafat, Canadian Jean-Sébastien Lavoie, and the 2004 Studio 2M star winners, Joudia and Aziz.
Karimarhanem's blog
Description:
The blog contains most of my past articles at Morocco Times. It also includes some interesting subjects in different fields
By Karima Rhanem | Morocco TIMES 7/29/2005 | 6:50 pm
Wonderful voices and talented artists. That's what most Moroccans say about the finalists of Studio 2M. Seven candidates will compete on Saturday for the Singer of the Year 2005, of which four contest in the Arabic/Moroccan song category and three in the Western song.
Who will win on Saturday? How are the finalists preparing for their last prime-time show? Let's discover together the seven finalists, who are they, what have they learnt from Studio 2M, and how confident are they in attracting more audience votes...
There was a great ambiance in Studio 2M, when Morocco Times arrived to meet the seven finalists. Along with the jury, the candidates were having a 45 min pause to get ready for their rehearsal for the final prime-time show.
Mouna Roukachi, Sabrina El Ajib, Rizlaine Rhadi, Amal Ouzzani, Leila Gouchi, Sanaa Gouja, and Hatim Amor were all determined to hold the title of the singer of the year, but above all win the hearts of all Moroccans.
Moroccan renowned Oud player Haj Youness, who is an essential member of the jury, told Morocco Times that “this year, Studio 2M has chosen high quality singers, most of whom appeared professional on stage.”
“Most of the candidates were good, even those who were eliminated. I can say that they will have an outstanding artistic career. They just have to constantly increase exercises that might improve vocal and breathing problems, voice tone, pitch, articulation, and stage presence,” added Haj Youness.
Despite the friendly environment, the seven finalists couldn't hide their stage-fright and concern over the final prime-time show.
Do you want to know about the candidates?
Leila Gouchi, the charismatic
Leila Gouchi, candidate in the Arabic/Moroccan song category, expected to hold the title of the singer of the year according to public estimations, highlighted the importance of choosing the song contest, “because it plays a crucial role in one's selection.”
“When choosing a song, you should ensure that your voice works for the style of music you want to sing. You should also choose a song that makes the public interact with you,” said Leila.
“Now that we are competing for the last prime-time show which will be aired live on Saturday, you have to be very careful, because it is the public who will evaluate you this time, not the jury. Your chance to win depends on how many votes you get and to what extent you have touched the public with your performance,” she added.
Leila Gouchi, 27, is currently living in Canada and pursuing a degree in Tourism. She started singing at the age of seven and performed in many programmes dedicated to children, namely “Al Kanat Assaghira” (The small channel).
Leila has taken part in various contests and festivals. These include Noujoum Al Ghad in 1996, the Halifax Festival and the Festival of the Arab world in Canada. She has already recorded a CD in which she revived Arab classical songs. A great fan of cinema, Leila is also a snooker amateur.
Mouna Roukachi, the active
Mouna Roukachi is this year's surprise. Strong-voiced, active, dedicated, Mouna, a Swedish of Moroccan origin, is a goalkeeper and a Taekwondo champion in her native city Umea in Sweden. Only 19, Mouna has just got her A-Level. Her passion for singing makes her decide to participate in Studio 2M, but this wasn't her first start. Mouna is already famous in Sweden after her remarkable participation in a reality TV show “Pop Idol”.
Fan of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and Beyonce, Mouna is a real star. She could be perfect in R'n'B, soul or even blues, let alone if she performed one of the Lumzy Sisters songs.
Today Mouna is called on to perform in festivals dedicated to raise funds to support AIDS patients.
Mouna has postponed the recording of her Album to participate in Studio 2M.
“It was a wonderful experience being here in Studio 2M and I am glad that I could be doing something here in Morocco, my native country,” Mouna told Morocco Times.
“I have learnt a lot from my teachers here, especially from Mrs Zoubida El Idrissi who taught me how to breathe, how to adjust my voice, diction, how to articulate...,” said Mouna.
Mouna is so impressed by Studio 2M and by the candidates' voice quality. “It is so amazing to see such young talented Moroccans singing and well articulating in Arabic, French and English. I have made good friends and I will never forget this experience,” added Mouna.
Rizlaine Rhadi, the stylish
Stylish and modest, the “Aretha Franklin du Maroc” Rizlaine Rhadi is fan of Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, and Otis Redding. She is currently working as a waitress in a Paris restaurant.
Rizlaine has an 'electric' choice when it comes to selecting her songs. She could be a Jazz, Soul, Funk, Pop, or Rock singer. Alongside Mouna, she is also a strong candidate for this year's title.
Sabrina El Ajib, the soft-hearted
Soft-hearted and cute, French-Moroccan Sabrina El Ajib is a law student in France. Sensitive and proud of her origins, Sabrina is passionate for music. She is fan of French and Arab singers. Her idols are Mariah Carey and Lara Fabian.
Hatim Ammor, the perseverant
Perseverant, Hatim Ammor has decided to lead an artistic career. He started singing at the age of 11. After finishing his studies, Hatim decide to concentrate on music. He participated in a number of star-maker programmes including "Noujoum wa noujoum" in 2001, "Casting Stars" in 2003 and "Star Academy" Lebanon in 2004.
Proud of his achievements, Hatim is happy to be among the seven finalists in Studio 2M and ready to do his best to win the Studio 2M honourable title and above all win the respect and admiration of the audience.
Hatim was careful to choose unforgettable songs of renowned Moroccan and Arabic singers including Mohamed Abdelwahab, Abdelhadi Belkhayat and Fadl Chakir.
Amal Ouzzani, 'A spitting image of Naîma Samih'
At the age of 27, Amal Ouzzani is already a mother of twins, Noureddine and Salah-Eddine. She has already participated in musical shows. She was also a member of the theatrical group of Ahmed Tayeb Laâlej.
Passionate for music since her childhood, Amal hopes to achieve her dreams through studio 2M. She can perfectly perform her favourite idol singer Naîma Samih, but can easily take you to another style such as Oum Kalthoum, Asmahane, Najwa Karam and Diana Haddad.
Sanaa Gouja, a red flower from a magic city
She comes from Marrakech, one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world. Encouraged by her family and friends, she has decided to try again Studio 2M. Lucky this time, Sanaa is so happy to be among the finalists. Her idol is the Syrian singer, Assala Nasri. She used to participate in festivals, namely “Le Festival du Printemps” in Marrakech. To improve her musical skills, Sanaa is taking classes in “mouwachahates".
A flavour of artists to attend the final prime-time show
A number of Moroccan and foreign artists will attend the final prime-time show to share with the seven candidates their success. These include Abderrahim Souiri (Morocco), Latifa Raafat (Morocco), Slaï (Guadeloupe), Jean-Sébastien Lavoie (Canada), Willy Denzey (France), Mariam Fares (Lebanon), and the 2004 Studio 2M stars Joudia and Aziz.
Everybody is waiting for the final prime-time show. The candidates along with the Moroccan audience are eager to hear “And the winner is ...”. The seven finalists are doing their best to please Moroccans inside and outside the country. No matter who wins, they have already became stars.
Wonderful voices and talented artists. That's what most Moroccans say about the finalists of Studio 2M. Seven candidates will compete on Saturday for the Singer of the Year 2005, of which four contest in the Arabic/Moroccan song category and three in the Western song.
Who will win on Saturday? How are the finalists preparing for their last prime-time show? Let's discover together the seven finalists, who are they, what have they learnt from Studio 2M, and how confident are they in attracting more audience votes...
There was a great ambiance in Studio 2M, when Morocco Times arrived to meet the seven finalists. Along with the jury, the candidates were having a 45 min pause to get ready for their rehearsal for the final prime-time show.
Mouna Roukachi, Sabrina El Ajib, Rizlaine Rhadi, Amal Ouzzani, Leila Gouchi, Sanaa Gouja, and Hatim Amor were all determined to hold the title of the singer of the year, but above all win the hearts of all Moroccans.
Moroccan renowned Oud player Haj Youness, who is an essential member of the jury, told Morocco Times that “this year, Studio 2M has chosen high quality singers, most of whom appeared professional on stage.”
“Most of the candidates were good, even those who were eliminated. I can say that they will have an outstanding artistic career. They just have to constantly increase exercises that might improve vocal and breathing problems, voice tone, pitch, articulation, and stage presence,” added Haj Youness.
Despite the friendly environment, the seven finalists couldn't hide their stage-fright and concern over the final prime-time show.
Do you want to know about the candidates?
Leila Gouchi, the charismatic
Leila Gouchi, candidate in the Arabic/Moroccan song category, expected to hold the title of the singer of the year according to public estimations, highlighted the importance of choosing the song contest, “because it plays a crucial role in one's selection.”
“When choosing a song, you should ensure that your voice works for the style of music you want to sing. You should also choose a song that makes the public interact with you,” said Leila.
“Now that we are competing for the last prime-time show which will be aired live on Saturday, you have to be very careful, because it is the public who will evaluate you this time, not the jury. Your chance to win depends on how many votes you get and to what extent you have touched the public with your performance,” she added.
Leila Gouchi, 27, is currently living in Canada and pursuing a degree in Tourism. She started singing at the age of seven and performed in many programmes dedicated to children, namely “Al Kanat Assaghira” (The small channel).
Leila has taken part in various contests and festivals. These include Noujoum Al Ghad in 1996, the Halifax Festival and the Festival of the Arab world in Canada. She has already recorded a CD in which she revived Arab classical songs. A great fan of cinema, Leila is also a snooker amateur.
Mouna Roukachi, the active
Mouna Roukachi is this year's surprise. Strong-voiced, active, dedicated, Mouna, a Swedish of Moroccan origin, is a goalkeeper and a Taekwondo champion in her native city Umea in Sweden. Only 19, Mouna has just got her A-Level. Her passion for singing makes her decide to participate in Studio 2M, but this wasn't her first start. Mouna is already famous in Sweden after her remarkable participation in a reality TV show “Pop Idol”.
Fan of Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and Beyonce, Mouna is a real star. She could be perfect in R'n'B, soul or even blues, let alone if she performed one of the Lumzy Sisters songs.
Today Mouna is called on to perform in festivals dedicated to raise funds to support AIDS patients.
Mouna has postponed the recording of her Album to participate in Studio 2M.
“It was a wonderful experience being here in Studio 2M and I am glad that I could be doing something here in Morocco, my native country,” Mouna told Morocco Times.
“I have learnt a lot from my teachers here, especially from Mrs Zoubida El Idrissi who taught me how to breathe, how to adjust my voice, diction, how to articulate...,” said Mouna.
Mouna is so impressed by Studio 2M and by the candidates' voice quality. “It is so amazing to see such young talented Moroccans singing and well articulating in Arabic, French and English. I have made good friends and I will never forget this experience,” added Mouna.
Rizlaine Rhadi, the stylish
Stylish and modest, the “Aretha Franklin du Maroc” Rizlaine Rhadi is fan of Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, and Otis Redding. She is currently working as a waitress in a Paris restaurant.
Rizlaine has an 'electric' choice when it comes to selecting her songs. She could be a Jazz, Soul, Funk, Pop, or Rock singer. Alongside Mouna, she is also a strong candidate for this year's title.
Sabrina El Ajib, the soft-hearted
Soft-hearted and cute, French-Moroccan Sabrina El Ajib is a law student in France. Sensitive and proud of her origins, Sabrina is passionate for music. She is fan of French and Arab singers. Her idols are Mariah Carey and Lara Fabian.
Hatim Ammor, the perseverant
Perseverant, Hatim Ammor has decided to lead an artistic career. He started singing at the age of 11. After finishing his studies, Hatim decide to concentrate on music. He participated in a number of star-maker programmes including "Noujoum wa noujoum" in 2001, "Casting Stars" in 2003 and "Star Academy" Lebanon in 2004.
Proud of his achievements, Hatim is happy to be among the seven finalists in Studio 2M and ready to do his best to win the Studio 2M honourable title and above all win the respect and admiration of the audience.
Hatim was careful to choose unforgettable songs of renowned Moroccan and Arabic singers including Mohamed Abdelwahab, Abdelhadi Belkhayat and Fadl Chakir.
Amal Ouzzani, 'A spitting image of Naîma Samih'
At the age of 27, Amal Ouzzani is already a mother of twins, Noureddine and Salah-Eddine. She has already participated in musical shows. She was also a member of the theatrical group of Ahmed Tayeb Laâlej.
Passionate for music since her childhood, Amal hopes to achieve her dreams through studio 2M. She can perfectly perform her favourite idol singer Naîma Samih, but can easily take you to another style such as Oum Kalthoum, Asmahane, Najwa Karam and Diana Haddad.
Sanaa Gouja, a red flower from a magic city
She comes from Marrakech, one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world. Encouraged by her family and friends, she has decided to try again Studio 2M. Lucky this time, Sanaa is so happy to be among the finalists. Her idol is the Syrian singer, Assala Nasri. She used to participate in festivals, namely “Le Festival du Printemps” in Marrakech. To improve her musical skills, Sanaa is taking classes in “mouwachahates".
A flavour of artists to attend the final prime-time show
A number of Moroccan and foreign artists will attend the final prime-time show to share with the seven candidates their success. These include Abderrahim Souiri (Morocco), Latifa Raafat (Morocco), Slaï (Guadeloupe), Jean-Sébastien Lavoie (Canada), Willy Denzey (France), Mariam Fares (Lebanon), and the 2004 Studio 2M stars Joudia and Aziz.
Everybody is waiting for the final prime-time show. The candidates along with the Moroccan audience are eager to hear “And the winner is ...”. The seven finalists are doing their best to please Moroccans inside and outside the country. No matter who wins, they have already became stars.
By Karima Rhanem | Morocco TIMES 9/9/2005 | 5:57 pm
Rabat -- Morocco has accumulated a rich experience in the fight against poverty and exclusion, said Mohammed Mohattane, Secretary of State in Charge of Rural Development, in a workshop session on the philosophy of the National Initiative for Human Development, organised here on Friday.
The Secretary of State told reporters that the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Sea Fisheries has established the 2020 strategy for rural development, which aims at fighting rural exodus, promoting activities that generate revenues and creating jobs in the rural world. The strategy also intends to improve and reinforce the status, the work and the product of the rural woman, and to reduce the loss of natural resources.”
He added that the 2020 strategy for rural development is at the heart of the NIHD, as it completes its orientations and implement its programmes.
Speaking at Friday's meeting, organised by the Ministry of Social Development, Family and Solidary, at the Minsistry of Equipement's conference center in Rabat, Lahcen El Omrani, advisor of the Minister of Social Development, said that “more than 50% of the state's budget is earmarked to the social sector; yet, more than 4 million people- a total of 700,000 households- live in poverty, exclusion and poor housing. Besides, two million children still don't benefit from schooling.” He also added that 30% of young degree-holders suffer unemployment.
“This has prevented millions of Moroccans from making full use of their potential and from contributing effectively to the country's social and economic life,” stressed El Omrani.
The National Initiative for Human Development, launched by HM King Mohammed VI on May 18, 2004, falls within the framework of the King's vision for building a society based on the principles of political democracy, economic efficiency, social cohesion and hard work. It is also intended to encourage all citizens to make full use of their potential.
The launching of this initiative also illustrates the sovereign's concern to combat illiteracy, poverty and slums.
The Initiative was launched to free disadvantaged populations and regions from the yoke of poverty, exclusion and backwardness, which constitute a real challenge lying ahead for Morocco. Expected to cost MAD 1.0 billion ($114.3m) a year, the programme will provide basic infrastructure to millions of poor Moroccans, from adequate housing and drinking water to health care and education.
The first stage of the programme will seek to speed up the social upgrading of 360 communities from among the poorest in the rural world, in addition to 250 poor districts in cities and suburbs, old medinas and shanty towns, where the ills of social exclusion, unemployment, delinquency and destitution are most felt.
It will also progressively target the upgrading of both the capacities and the quality of the existing reception centres, or the creation of new specialised centres, capable of accommodating and providing assistance to the people in a situation of great precarity.
This social workshop stems from the lessons drawn from the past experiences and the models that proved reliable in certain countries, in such matters as the fight against poverty and exclusion.
HM King Mohammed VI has recently chaired the signing ceremonies of projects to be carried out in M'diq and surrounding areas (northern Morocco) to contribute to the development of the region as part of the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH).
Two conventions bear on the fisheries sector, notably the extension of M'diq port and the support of the traditional fishery activities. A third convention concerns a tourism development program in the M'diq-Fnideq coast. The three-year program aims at making the region a national and international tourism destination.
This innovative initiative seeks to upgrade and reinforce social actions to enable Morocco to mobilize all its energies and integrate them in the battle of comprehensive development and, consequently, fulfill aspirations nurtured in this new era for democracy, social justice and the preservation of the dignity of men and women.
Rabat -- Morocco has accumulated a rich experience in the fight against poverty and exclusion, said Mohammed Mohattane, Secretary of State in Charge of Rural Development, in a workshop session on the philosophy of the National Initiative for Human Development, organised here on Friday.
The Secretary of State told reporters that the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Sea Fisheries has established the 2020 strategy for rural development, which aims at fighting rural exodus, promoting activities that generate revenues and creating jobs in the rural world. The strategy also intends to improve and reinforce the status, the work and the product of the rural woman, and to reduce the loss of natural resources.”
He added that the 2020 strategy for rural development is at the heart of the NIHD, as it completes its orientations and implement its programmes.
Speaking at Friday's meeting, organised by the Ministry of Social Development, Family and Solidary, at the Minsistry of Equipement's conference center in Rabat, Lahcen El Omrani, advisor of the Minister of Social Development, said that “more than 50% of the state's budget is earmarked to the social sector; yet, more than 4 million people- a total of 700,000 households- live in poverty, exclusion and poor housing. Besides, two million children still don't benefit from schooling.” He also added that 30% of young degree-holders suffer unemployment.
“This has prevented millions of Moroccans from making full use of their potential and from contributing effectively to the country's social and economic life,” stressed El Omrani.
The National Initiative for Human Development, launched by HM King Mohammed VI on May 18, 2004, falls within the framework of the King's vision for building a society based on the principles of political democracy, economic efficiency, social cohesion and hard work. It is also intended to encourage all citizens to make full use of their potential.
The launching of this initiative also illustrates the sovereign's concern to combat illiteracy, poverty and slums.
The Initiative was launched to free disadvantaged populations and regions from the yoke of poverty, exclusion and backwardness, which constitute a real challenge lying ahead for Morocco. Expected to cost MAD 1.0 billion ($114.3m) a year, the programme will provide basic infrastructure to millions of poor Moroccans, from adequate housing and drinking water to health care and education.
The first stage of the programme will seek to speed up the social upgrading of 360 communities from among the poorest in the rural world, in addition to 250 poor districts in cities and suburbs, old medinas and shanty towns, where the ills of social exclusion, unemployment, delinquency and destitution are most felt.
It will also progressively target the upgrading of both the capacities and the quality of the existing reception centres, or the creation of new specialised centres, capable of accommodating and providing assistance to the people in a situation of great precarity.
This social workshop stems from the lessons drawn from the past experiences and the models that proved reliable in certain countries, in such matters as the fight against poverty and exclusion.
HM King Mohammed VI has recently chaired the signing ceremonies of projects to be carried out in M'diq and surrounding areas (northern Morocco) to contribute to the development of the region as part of the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH).
Two conventions bear on the fisheries sector, notably the extension of M'diq port and the support of the traditional fishery activities. A third convention concerns a tourism development program in the M'diq-Fnideq coast. The three-year program aims at making the region a national and international tourism destination.
This innovative initiative seeks to upgrade and reinforce social actions to enable Morocco to mobilize all its energies and integrate them in the battle of comprehensive development and, consequently, fulfill aspirations nurtured in this new era for democracy, social justice and the preservation of the dignity of men and women.
By Karima Rhanem | Morocco TIMES 6/8/2005 | 5:49 pm
The Moroccan press denounced on Wednesday Nadia Yassine's latest statements to the Moroccan Arabic weekly 'Al Ousbouia Al Jadida', saying that she prefers a republic regime in Morocco and that Monarchy is not suitable for the country.
Nadia Yassine, daughter of Abdessalam Yassine, the spiritual leader of the Islamist, outlawed movement "Al Adl Wal Ihsane" (Justice and Charity) was summoned last Friday by the judicial police at the request of the Prosecutor of the Rabat first instance court.
Arabic daily Attajdid said in his latest issue that Yassine's statements are not even worth discussing, stressing that the monarchy was chosen by Moroccans for centuries.
French daily 'Aujourd'hui le Maroc' noted that Yassine thinks she is 'a constituent assembly for herself only'. The paper added that she is “as total as her totalitarian vision of the world”
Al Alam newspaper, spokesperson of Istiqlal party (Independence party) said in its editorial that Yassine revealed its passion for a republican state right after a trip to the United States.
The paper deplored that Yassine statements are evident of her ignorance of the importance of monarchy, while wondering which republic she is talking about.
The daily says Yassine should remember that history has proven that "monarchy is not a classical system", but rather "a system in constant development consolidating democracy."
French daily L'Opinion, also spokesperson of Istiqlal party, said that Yassine's declarations mark "the absence of a clear and coherent vision". The paper added that it particularly proves her "flagrant rejection of the popular will".
The Moroccan press denounced on Wednesday Nadia Yassine's latest statements to the Moroccan Arabic weekly 'Al Ousbouia Al Jadida', saying that she prefers a republic regime in Morocco and that Monarchy is not suitable for the country.
Nadia Yassine, daughter of Abdessalam Yassine, the spiritual leader of the Islamist, outlawed movement "Al Adl Wal Ihsane" (Justice and Charity) was summoned last Friday by the judicial police at the request of the Prosecutor of the Rabat first instance court.
Arabic daily Attajdid said in his latest issue that Yassine's statements are not even worth discussing, stressing that the monarchy was chosen by Moroccans for centuries.
French daily 'Aujourd'hui le Maroc' noted that Yassine thinks she is 'a constituent assembly for herself only'. The paper added that she is “as total as her totalitarian vision of the world”
Al Alam newspaper, spokesperson of Istiqlal party (Independence party) said in its editorial that Yassine revealed its passion for a republican state right after a trip to the United States.
The paper deplored that Yassine statements are evident of her ignorance of the importance of monarchy, while wondering which republic she is talking about.
The daily says Yassine should remember that history has proven that "monarchy is not a classical system", but rather "a system in constant development consolidating democracy."
French daily L'Opinion, also spokesperson of Istiqlal party, said that Yassine's declarations mark "the absence of a clear and coherent vision". The paper added that it particularly proves her "flagrant rejection of the popular will".
By Karima Rhanem | Morocco TIMES 6/12/2005 | 2:57 pm
Nabil Benandellah, Morocco's Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, said on Thursday that the anti-monarchy statements of the Islamist activist Nadia Yassine oppose the "deep beliefs of the Moroccan nation." Yassine's trial is scheduled for June 28, official sources said.
Nadia Yassine, daughter of Abdessalam Yassine, the spiritual leader of the Islamist, outlawed movement "Al Adl Wal Ihsane" (Justice and Charity) was summoned on June 3 by the judicial police at the request of the Prosecutor of the Rabat first instance court.
Yassine stated in an interview published by Al-Ousbouaaya al-Jadida that she prefers a republic regime in Morocco and that Monarchy is not suitable for the country. Yassine and Abdelaziz Gougass, editor of the newspaper that published the front page interview, will appear at a Rabat court on June 28.
Director of Aujourd'hui le Maroc daily, Khalid Hachimi Idrissi, was also subpoenaed on Friday by the judiciary police. Hachimi, was summoned following the publication by his newspaper of statements by Fathallah Arsalane, spokesperson of the outlawed "Al Adl Wal Ihssane" movement, backing Nadia yassine.
"It is natural to have recourse to justice when the provisions of the constitution are violated," said Nabil Benandellah, communication minister, in a press briefing.
Benandellah, commenting on the publication of Yassine's interview, said that "the press code is clear and defines responsibilities of people who make statements, those who publish them, those who print them and those who distribute them."
Earlier last week, the Moroccan press denounced Yassine's statements, saying that they are evident of her ignorance of the importance of monarchy, stressing that the latter was chosen by Moroccans for centuries.
Nabil Benandellah, Morocco's Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, said on Thursday that the anti-monarchy statements of the Islamist activist Nadia Yassine oppose the "deep beliefs of the Moroccan nation." Yassine's trial is scheduled for June 28, official sources said.
Nadia Yassine, daughter of Abdessalam Yassine, the spiritual leader of the Islamist, outlawed movement "Al Adl Wal Ihsane" (Justice and Charity) was summoned on June 3 by the judicial police at the request of the Prosecutor of the Rabat first instance court.
Yassine stated in an interview published by Al-Ousbouaaya al-Jadida that she prefers a republic regime in Morocco and that Monarchy is not suitable for the country. Yassine and Abdelaziz Gougass, editor of the newspaper that published the front page interview, will appear at a Rabat court on June 28.
Director of Aujourd'hui le Maroc daily, Khalid Hachimi Idrissi, was also subpoenaed on Friday by the judiciary police. Hachimi, was summoned following the publication by his newspaper of statements by Fathallah Arsalane, spokesperson of the outlawed "Al Adl Wal Ihssane" movement, backing Nadia yassine.
"It is natural to have recourse to justice when the provisions of the constitution are violated," said Nabil Benandellah, communication minister, in a press briefing.
Benandellah, commenting on the publication of Yassine's interview, said that "the press code is clear and defines responsibilities of people who make statements, those who publish them, those who print them and those who distribute them."
Earlier last week, the Moroccan press denounced Yassine's statements, saying that they are evident of her ignorance of the importance of monarchy, stressing that the latter was chosen by Moroccans for centuries.
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