November 15, 2009
HM the King inaugurates craft training center
Fez - King Mohammed VI inaugurated, here Saturday, a craft training center, marking the launch of the 12th national campaign for solidarity that runs from November 15 through November 25.
The 36 million dirham- (4.7 million U.S. dollars) facility aims at providing vocational training for youth to facilitate their socioeconomic integration by providing training sessions for craftsmen in the field of management, marketing, NTIC, quality, hygiene and security.
Built on 5,150 m², the centre will also encourage and support project holders during the process of setting up their businesses and marketing their products.
The 12th national campaign for solidarity confirms the choice to make training a key aspect in the implementation of the projects and programs carried out by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity.
The campaign helps raising funds from Moroccan citizens and institutions to finance social projects across the north African country that are aimed to fight poverty and exclusion.
On this occasion, the sovereign handed commemorative plaques to princesses Lalla Aicha and Lalla Malika for their precious financial contributions to implement the Foundation’s projects.
The Monarch also decorated several donators that have financially contributed to the implementation of the projects of the Foundation.
As part of the support that the Foundation provides to NGOs, the Sovereign donated 2.5 million dirhams to several NGOs and cooperatives partners of the Foundation and working in the craft industry.
Authenticity and Modernity Party strongly denounces comments of Aminatou Haidar
Rabat - Secretary General of the Authenticity and Modernity Party Mohamed Cheikh Biadillah strongly denounced, on Sunday, the statements of Aminatou Haidar, describing her "provocative act" as "treason against the Nation."
"Despite the fact that she travels across the world to undermine the territorial integrity of Morocco, and to offend the patriotic sentiments of the Moroccans, Aminatou Haidar was, and is still, a Moroccan citizen," which is a truth she can't deny, Biadillah told MAP.
The political leader noted that everyone knows that the "intelligence of a neighbouring country is behind Aminatou Haidar and her likes," who take advantage of the climate of freedom in the north African kingdom to achieve "personal objectives that have nothing to do with human rights."
Biadillah accused Haidar of taking part in a campaign of false allegations, which is being led by the enemies of Morocco’s territorial integrity and other European parties, who ignore the reality of the region.
The Moroccan political parties representing the government and the opposition have unanimously denounced the comments and behaviour of Aminatou Haidar, accusing her of treason and of being supported by foreign parties.
Haidar, who holds Moroccan ID card and passport, refused, Friday morning upon arrival in the airport of the southern town of Laayoune, to fill in the embarkation form, and denied her Moroccan identity.
She also supported the theses of the Algerian-backed Polisario separatists, who lay claims to Morocco's Southern Provinces, the Sahara, a Moroccan territory that the north African kingdom had retrieved after Spain pulled out in the mid-Seventies.
IMF: Morocco's growth remains solid despite global recession
Economic growth in the North African state of Morocco remains solid even in the face the global economic downturn, the international Monetary Fund (IMF) has disclosed.
In 2009 Morocco is expected to register an almost equal real GDP growth with what it achieved in the preceding fiscal year.
'Despite the world economic slowdown, Morocco's economic performance has rem ained solid,' said Mark Lewis, leader of an IMF mission that visited Rabat from November 2-13, 2009.
Real GDP growth was 5.6 per cent in 2008, and it is expected to be around 5 per cent in 2009, sustained by strong domestic demand and exceptional agricultural production, according to an IMF press release received by PANA in Addis Ababa on Sunday. 'Consumer price inflation will drop to less than 2 per cent in 2009, reflectin g, among other factors, the decline in world commodity prices,' the press release quoted a statement by the IMF mission to Rabat. 'The current account deficit is expected to improve, assuming that the recent signs of a rebound continue in the last part of the year.'
The IMF mission was in Rabat for more than a week for 'Article IV' consultat ion with Moroccan authorities. Article IV is part of the Articles of Agreement of the IMF adopted in July 1944. It states Obligations Regarding Exchange Arrangements.
Usually Article IV consultations with member countries take place once a year and most of them are published as IMF Article IV Staff Reports.
"In the context of the 2009 Article IV consultation discussions, the mission reviewed recent economic developments and the authorities' strategy for mitigating the impact of the global crisis on Morocco, and discussed policies to boost economic growth, income, and employment,' the mission said in statement it issued at the conclusion of the visit.
The mission met with Moroccan ministers, senior government officials, Governor of the Central Bank, as well as with representatives from the private sector and labour unions.
The mission also stated that the country's fiscal policy will appropriately loosen in 2009 and 2010, reflecting in good part the authorities' counter-cyclica l measures.
'Over the medium term, fiscal policy should aim to gradually bring the budget deficit below 3 per cent of GDP, without jeopardizing the economic rebound,' it said. 'Important reforms in the public finance area are ongoing, including tax reforms, and efforts to gradually replace the current system of subsidies by targeted measures to assist the low-income segments of the population.'
According to the IMF, Morocco's Central Bank has responded appropriately to the evolving economic and financial conditions through its interest rate policy and liquidity management tools.
The mission, therefore, noted that the Bank has the necessary tools, resources, and analytical framework in place should monetary policy evolve to an inflation targeting framework.
'The banking sector remains solid, and has largely been untouched by developments in international financial markets,' according to the mission's statement. 'Given the rapid credit growth in recent years, the Central Bank continues to pay close attention to credit quality.'
Nevertheless, the IMF warns that strong and sustained economic growth in Morocco will depend on reforms aimed at increasing the productivity and competitiveness of the economy and boosting the country's ability to compete on external markets.
The authorities are therefore undertaking a wide range of reforms, including in the sectors of justice, agriculture, energy and education, IMF acknowledged.
'Success in these efforts will raise investment and output and help address key social challenges, including youth unemployment," the statement said.
Addis Ababa - 15/11/2009
Marrakech Festival a boon for local cinema
The Marrakech Film Festival, to begin its ninth edition on December 4, has been a boon not just for the fledgling Moroccan/African cinema industry, offering an effective platform for their directors, but also for the city’s tourism. Funded entirely by the country’s ruling monarchy with Prince Moulay Rachid (King’s brother) presiding over the nine-day run (though the management is with a French public relations firm, Le Public Systeme.), the Festival pumps excitement into the city’s innumerable hotels and wayside eateries.
The marketplace, known as Souk, comes alive with the local cuisine spicing up the screen. Hotels go full, and the Souk looks like a mela with the Festival crowds taking a breather between movies tucking in street food or haggling over the prices of curios. For an Indian, the place is a virtual paradise for pirated DVDs of the country’s latest blockbusters that can be had for a song.
These bustling street scenes or the expansive vistas or the awesome palaces, intricately designed and decorated in Islamic style, in Morocco have played a part in cinema. They have provided fabulous locales for both Moroccan and foreign films. Ridley Scott and Oliver Stone among others have used the country to shoot their works. A part of Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Babel is set in Morocco.
The African nation that still has an unmistakable French flavour once transcended cultural barriers, especially in times of geopolitical crisis, through Michael Curtiz’s 1942 classic, Casablanca. That it was never shot in Casablanca is another story, but Morocco has since then extensively used its Moorish art, décor hotels, winter sun and celebrity pull to carve out a niche for itself on the global movie map.
While the Marrakech Festival screens some of the world’s best cinema, it has also been making efforts to help the local cinema industry take the place of the now sinking – but once flourishing - Egyptian show business. As Bruno Barde, Marrakech’s Artistic Director and head of the Le Public Systeme, once told me “the Festival is a great opportunity for Moroccan directors and scriptwriters to learn how to fish”.
The Moroccan monarchy is keen on promoting cinema. The Prince is extremely knowledgeable about this art, I am told, and would like films to showcase the country’s open culture and society. There rigid Islamic laws are not enforced. Women need not cover their heads, and many of them can be seen in daring Western wear.
Though a tiny producer with about 25 movies or so a year, Morocco is undoubtedly far ahead of others in Africa, such as Tunisia or Algeria or Lebanon or even Egypt. The nation’s transparent culture, Barde quips, is not to be found even in Dubai, and its seeds were planted by the King a decade ago when he envisaged the Marrakech Festival. A kingdom that is ruled with the help of a Constitution and bicameral legislature, Morocco seems all set for great cinematic times.
Six Senses Spa to open at The Baglioni Marrakech, Morocco by 2011
Morocco’s first Six Senses Spa is scheduled to open by late 2011. The spa having an area of 1,500 sq mt will be a centrepiece of The Baglioni Marrakech — a boutique five-star hotel set within 34-acre parkland resort and residential development.
The Six Senses Spa at The Baglioni Marrakech will have indoor treatment rooms including two couple’s rooms with sunken bath for half day and full day package getaways. The special feature of the spa will be the traditional hammam heat experience, which will offer hammam journeys for individuals, couples and small groups.
The extensive spa facility will comprise eight single treatment rooms set around ponds, an outdoor terrace for group treatments, a 60 sq mt gym, sauna, experience shower and a floatation pool.
The spa will offer a consultation room and a roof-top yoga pavilion ideal for corporate wellness conferences and programmes. The spa will service The Baglioni Marrakech guests, resident owners and private members only.
Iran wins 6 medals at World Karate Championships
Iran's karate practitioners have won three silver medals along with three previous golds at the World Junior and Cadet Karate Championships held in Rabat.
Sajjad Ganjzadeh won the silver after he was defeated by his Italian rival 5-2 in the 76 kg category final on Saturday.
In the 57 kg class, Shahin Jafari got the second silver for the Iranian side when he lost to his Egyptian opponent 7-0 in the final.
Abolfazl Shahjerdi took the third silver for Iran after being beaten 3-2 against a karate practitioner from Venezuela.
The Iranian Karate team had already won three gold medals at the three-day event to top the standings.
In 2008, Iran snatched the title at the 9th Asian Karate Federation (AKF) Junior and Cadets Karate Championships which was held in Malaysia.
The World Junior and Cadet Karate Championships has been held in Rabat, Morocco from November 12-15.
Arab Journalism Award delegation to tour various Arab countries
A delegation from Dubai Press Club is embarking on a tour of various Arab countries tomorrow with a view to promote participation in the 9th edition of the Arab Journalism Award.
The tour comes right on the heels of the call for nominations for the award in line with the new structure of the award, which not only did away with or merged some of the old categories, but also added new ones such as young talent and online journalism.
The General Secretariat of the award, based in Dubai Press Club, revealed that the promotion tours would consist of three phases, the first of which was already kicked off within the UAE. The second phase, starting tomorrow, will cover Qatar, Syria and Lebanon while the third one will take the DPC delegation to countries of North Africa, such as Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt.
During the tour, the delegation will hold numerous meetings across the spectrum of the Arab media to persuade various media organizations to maximize their participation in the award program in terms of submitting entries from journalists of all hues.
Meanwhile, the General Secretariat has already begun receiving entries from journalists across the region. It is expected that the number of entries this year will far exceed that of last year, which was well over 3000 entries. The last date for receiving entries is January 14, 2010.
The constitution of the judging panels is currently underway, which will see the appointment of around 60 judges with five or six adjudicating in each category. The names of the judges will be revealed only on the day of the distribution of the awards.
Morocco to create agency safeguard oases
Morocco has decided to set up an agency for the development and safeguard of the country's oases and Argan trees, as recognition of their importance.
In fact, HM King Mohammed VI has asked the government to create the new agency called ‘the national agency for the development of oasis zones.'
This agency will have as a mission the protection and the promotion of oasis zones and Argan trees -which have become known worldwide- in accordance to the principles of sustainable development.
It will also strive to protect and upgrade the country's date palms, rationalize the management of water resources and fight against desertification, besides enhancing the living conditions of the populations of these areas.
Oases, which represent 15% of the national territory surface mainly in the Saharan regions, harbor up to 1.6 million inhabitants.
The anticipation of climate change risks and impacts, and the promotion of scientific research relating to this ecosystem are also among its responsibilities.
To be headed by Dr. Bachir Saoud, who has been appointed by the king, the new body will cooperate with the different authorities and ministerial departments, mainly the Agriculture department.
Yesterday, HM King Mohammed VI launched a project for planting one million palm trees in the Tafilalet oases (Errachidia province) by the year 2015.
Worth MAD 1.25 billion (about USD 163 million), the project will benefit some 6000 farmers, help create 450,000 working days and increase production.
It is part of agriculture's “Green Plan”, which intended to develop Morocco's agricultural sector.
By CMC morocco business news.
Lindsay Lohan, Gerard Butler Attend Opening of Resort in Morocco
Morocco's most exotic city beguiles
In the light of the setting sun, everything is pink: the buildings, the soil and in the distance, a backdrop of the Atlas mountains, which carry a mantle of snow.
Marrakesh is a city of a million people where donkey carts vie with Mercedes and BMWs. The ancient medina with its dimly lit souks - winding passages enclosed by sun- baked mud walls - is the great drawcard for the tourists.
The Jemaa el Fna is an enormous central square housing the Koutoubia Mosque, its minaret a landmark for Muslim and tourist alike. The Jemaa el Fna attracts visitors by the thousands. They come to see its snake charmers, fortune tellers and veiled, kohl-eyed women selling bangles to ward off the evil eye. There is food, hot and cold, to suit all tastes, and while the atmosphere may be intoxicating, the beverages are not, Morocco being a Muslim country.
Evening is the most exciting time. Stalls are set up, lamps glow around the square, the heady scent of herbs and spices permeates the warm air as smoke from the barbecues rises in clouds. Food in great variety and at reasonable prices is often served by a singing waiter, adding to the carnival atmosphere. Young men race through crowds on motorbikes, missing the dazed-looking visitors by inches, while pickpockets operate among the masses, so I'm told.
In the modern part of Marrakesh, wide tree-lined boulevards lead to modern hotels; there are rose beds and flower gardens. Shopping offers the full array of exotic labels but mostly tourists find it more exciting to wander through the souks where even the latest fashions seem to find their way into the labyrinth of dingy passages.
The vendors expect the buyer to bargain and most people enjoy the friendly banter, often coming away with something they consider a cheap buy. However, it is unusual for the stallholders to lose out, so after the tiny cups of mint tea and the sweet talk, just check the number of noughts on your credit-card slip.
Sitting at a streetside cafe, watching the world go by, you will be surprised when the waiter offers you only tea, coffee or soft drinks. Locally brewed beer and wine can be bought at supermarkets and hotels and high-class restaurants serve alcohol. Local cafes can be basic with no written menus - the owner will tell you what to eat.
Arabic and French are widely spoken, though most taxi drivers, shopkeepers and people dealing with tourists speak English. The main race in Morocco is Berber and the word "Inshallah" ("God willing") will be heard many times.
While the country is full of photo opportunities, the local people will not always want to be your subject. Some will be offended, particularly in the countryside, while others, especially children, will expect money for their "services".
Occasionally touts will attach themselves to you as self-appointed guides. They are usually very persistent and if you do accept the offer of assistance you will find they guide you to the shops or cafes where they get a handout from the owner. Marrakesh, being in the desert area, has a comfortable dry heat, although the temperatures in the northern summer can become oppressive. The best time to visit is during their autumn when the temperature of 32 degrees celsius feels more like 27C.
Morocco beyond Marrakesh is as various and beguiling. Essaouira, a Portugese settlement formerly known as Mogador, is on the Atlantic Barbary coast and has ideal windsurfing conditions. The houses here are painted white and blue, giving it a light airy feel and a restful atmosphere which has attracted European painters and musicians. Essaouira has a thriving fishing port with a large fleet of sardine boats. The quayside is often a hive of industry with boats unloading their catch, nets laid out for repair and seafood cooking on open grills.
We took a taxi for the 350- kilometre return journey, an air- conditioned Mercedes. The driver took us to see the argan trees (Argania spinosa), unique to Morocco. Its fruit is similar to the olive and is pressed for its oil, a labour- intensive process. Goats climb the stumpy argan trees to nibble at the leaves. That, together with the young women endlessly cracking the argan nuts between two stones, was quite an amazing sight.
The city has a range of accommodation, from budget to "top end". The current exchange rate for the kiwi is about six dirhams, so mid-range hotels offer a double bed and breakfast for about $125.
In Marrakesh a seven-day holiday will disappear in a flash, leaving you with a vow to return - Inshallah.
By MAX PUDNEY stuff
Karpov opens chess school in Morocco
Walking through the Fez Medina it is common to see men of all ages playing a variety of board games. Chess players are relatively rare, but they can be seen. Those who play chess will sometimes do so in conditions that would bemuse a western player. Today a View from Fez writer spotted a couple of young men standing in a doorway on a busy street, the chess board balanced on their hands for lack of a table.
Yet despite it being a rarity, those who play in chess clubs in Rabat, Tetouan, Fes and Casablanca have included many champions. In Rabat the Fath club is renowned for the skill of its members. These include the amazing Leyla Elamri who is currently the all Moroccan champion in all categories for women. She has won every title since she was 12 years of age. Last year, as a seventeen year old, she even managed to draw with the Russian grand master Anatoly Karpov in a speed game when he faced many players at the same time.
Now the chess players of Morocco are set to get a fantastic boost as Karpov has agreed to a partnership with the Fath club and set up a chess school in Rabat.
According to a Reuter's report, this will be the first Anatoly Karpov Chess School in Africa. Karpov, one of the living legends of chess, came to Morocco and supervised a three day training course for 24 young Moroccans. At the end of this course, he presented the winners with certificates and trophies.
Anatoly Karpov, a living legend of chess, was world champion between 1975 and 1984. Anatoly Karpov has 17 chess schools outside Russia, mainly in Europe and the United States. The only Arab country, apart from Morocco to have a similar school, is Syria where Karpov is proud to have an institution bearing his name in the Damascus Sports Palace. When asked by Reuters why he chose Morocco for his first school in Africa, Anatoly Karpov said: "This is the third time I am in Morocco. The last time I was here was in December last year. We discussed then how we could help young Moroccans in Rabat-Sale to develop their chess and how we could help them".
Monaco invites rich and famous to winter in Morocco
The State of Monaco has emerged as the unlikely backer of a new drive to brand Morocco as the next big second-home destination for the rich and famous.
Monte Carlo SBM, the resort operator behind some of Monaco’s most glamorous casinos, restaurants and hotels, in which the State of Monaco is the majority shareholder, will manage a £120 million hotel and private residential complex in the Menara district of Marrakech, in its first venture outside Monaco.
The State of Monaco has invited its tax-exile residents to buy winter holiday homes on the estate, touted as “the most luxurious ever to be built in North Africa”. Those understood to have registered an interest in the apartments, which start at £1.8 million and go up to £5.4 million, include Jenson Button, the Formula One motor racing champion, and Bob Diamond, the head of Barclays investment banking division.
Aerium Atlas Management, a division of the Aerium Group, the property investment fund, will develop the 14-hectare Jawhar Estate, framed by the 12th-century Menara Gardens and with views of the Atlas Mountains, where Sir Richard Branson already has a luxury retreat.
The investment in the future of the North African country’s high-end tourism industry has come about partly through close ties between King Mohammed VI of Morocco and Prince Albert II of Monaco. Morocco plans to spend £2 billion on “Plan Azur” to generate investment, property development and tourism. Morocco’s main tourist base has come from France, but the trend for converting riads — old-style Moroccan homes — is popular with Britons seeking a cheaper alternative to France and Spain.
The tax system for property in Morocco is generous, with no capital gains tax payable after ten years, no rental tax for the first five years and 0 per cent property tax for the first three years. There is also no inheritance tax if a home is left to a family member.
By Rebecca O’Connor The Times.
Arab political parties slam self-rule in Western Sahara
APA-Rabat (Morocco) About one hundred Arab political parties meeting in the Syrian capital denounced separatism, calling it “destructive” referring in particular to Western Sahara whose “Moroccanness” the Polisario Front is disputing since late 1975, the Moroccan press said on Saturday .
The fifth congress of Arab political parties, which ended on Friday in Damascus, said that “the separatist calls” are aimed at “tearing apart the Arab nation.”
The congress, which was founded in 1996, has not failed to express its support to Morocco to also recover “all its occupied territories,” referring particularly to the cities of Ceuta and Melilla in northern Morocco, colonized since 1497 by Spain.
The Arab support strengthens the endorsement of most of the international community regarding Moroccan autonomy plan for Western Sahara, which is deemed as the “only conceivable solution” to end the 34-year old conflict.
However, the Polisario is, on its side, claiming a self-rule referendum which is described as “unenforceable” and “unrealistic” in Rabat supported by influential capitals, including Washington.
In June 2007, a UN-backed negotiation process was initiated on U.S. soil, but it struggles to find common ground between the two main protagonists, Morocco and Algeria-backed Polisario.
The date of the fifth round of negotiations should be set by mutual agreement between Morocco and the Polisario.
YB/mn/sd/ad/APA
HM the King appoints Hassan Aourid Historiographer of the Kingdom
Erfoud (southeastern Morocco) - HM King Mohammed VI received, on Friday at the royal place of Erfoud, Hassan Aourid whom the Sovereign named historiographer of the Kingdom of Morocco, says a release of the Royal Household, protocol and chancellery.
Born in Errachidia on December 24th, 1962, Aourid has a bachelor degree in public law and Ph.D in political sciences.
He served for the foreign affairs department from 1988 to 1992. After spending a career as a political advisor for the Moroccan embassy in Washington from 1992 to 1995, Aourid took the post of teacher at the National school of Administration and at the University of Rabat from 1995 to 1999.
He also served as the official spokesperson of the Royal Palace before he was named in 2005 Wali for the Meknes-Tafilalt.
Steel Strips to study feasibility of wheel rim plant in Morocco
BL reported that Steel Strips Wheels Ltd which has bagged an order to supply the full requirement of wheel rims for French car-maker Renault’s Greenfield plant in Morocco will study the feasibility of setting up a plant in the North African country.
According to reliable sources, the company hopes to begin the feasibility study some time next year and if it decides to go ahead with the Morocco plant, begin the construction in early 2013. The company anticipates an investment of EUR 20 million in the Morocco plant.
Steel Strips Wheels in an announcement to the stock exchanges said that Renault had nominated it for 100% supply of steel wheel rims to its Greenfield plant in Morocco. Steel Strips Wheels would start supplying for this project from the last quarter of 2011 from its Chennai plant.
The company expects to supply more than three million wheel rims in five years to Renault, which would lead to foreign exchange earnings of about EUR 28 million.
Mr Dheeraj Garg MD of Steel Strips Wheels told Business Line over the telephone that the company had expanded its relationship with Renault ever since it started supplying wheel rims for the Logan in India. It had been nominated to supply to Renault in Romania and Brazil.
(Sourced from Business Line)
November 14, 2009
Exotic Larache, Morocco
Looking for a truly exotic vacation? Larache, Morocco provides an authentic cultural experience in a seaside town, where locals and visitors alike enjoy their leisure time. To Westerners Morocco represents intrigue, mystery and the exotic. With a warm Mediterranean climate and located on the Atlantic Ocean this is a perfect destination.
To visit Morocco was a dream for many years. Paired with a trip to Spain, Morocco is the perfect side-trip. Extreme temperatures during many months of the year made the choice of where to go an easy one, a beach town. Since surfers always know of the best undiscovered beaches, Larache seemed a good choice. Close enough to Tangiers to take the high-speed ferry but ninety minutes from the big city to be relaxing and experience local culture. Larache possesses a checkerboard history of occupation by Portuguese, French, Spanish, and Moors leaving a beautiful town full of historic architecture, sumptuous food and a rich cultural heritage.
Larache is a city over 6,000 years old. As a port city it has played an important role in trade and rule in this part of the world as a gateway between Africa and Europe, East and West. This dichotomy makes Larache an intriguing city. Much of the architecture is very old and imbues a sense of history. This blend of historic architecture from many cultures creates a mélange of beautiful buildings to explore.
Five times daily “The Call to Prayer” reminds the faithful to pray and the visitor’s that they are in a foreign culture. While Larache is a vacation spot for Moroccans and Spanish the dress is conservative for Western women. Keeping shoulders and knees covered saves harassment. A female traveling with a male companion will feel most at ease. This is a Muslim country so avoid public displays of affection. Save those for back in your room.
Larache while a tourist destination in Morocco,doesn’t have a lot of Western Tourists. This makes the experience feel more real. You won’t be hassled here as in many tourist destinations and will feel safe. Languages spoken include English, Arabic, French and Spanish. Many people visit Larache for its beach, located on the Atlantic, which is accessed via a water taxi.
For the most genuine Moroccan experience stay in the old medina where the central market is held daily, in La Maison Haute (meaning tall Moroccan house), complete with rich colors, handcrafted furniture and two amazing roof decks overlooking the town. It is tucked away inside the market which makes locating it a challenge. But once there a wonderful experience awaits you. You may not want to leave.
A new resort, Port Lixus, planned in the nearby town of Lixus, scheduled to open in 2010, will be a fun day trip.
Enjoy the evening “paseo” as the river of people walking through town carries you along without jostling or touching. To be part of the flow is an unusual and peaceful experience. Being buoyed along with all of the other people in town is quite exhilarating. Enjoy the colorful mix of dress, some colorful clothing, some western clothing contrasting with the traditional Moroccan djellaba and Arabic robes.
Staying above the old medina is a colorful experience as the market stays open late, vendors cook their food and the aromas of charcoal and cooking meat blend with the cacophony of sounds of many types of music played on boom-boxes. The town stays up late and so do you - it is impossible to sleep with all of the noise and activity. The roof deck becomes a perfect location from which to spy on the goings on of the locals down below and to live vicariously.
The food is a mixture of traditional Moroccan, Mediterranean cuisine and sea food. And you can find pizza with little effort. At the outdoor pizza restaurant located near a park, patrons were openly smoking all manner of cigarettes. Groups of friends were meeting to eat and hang-out together. Traditional Moroccan cuisine of tagines (stews) served over couscous with vegetables and rich flavors and spices colored with saffron are delicious. Moroccan style mint tea with fresh mint brewed in the cup is found in all of the cafes along with Arabic coffee. Fish is fresh and plentiful. Olives are incredible. The market had 20+ varieties of local olives cured in a variety of ways. Most restaurants provide olives as tapas or garnish with meals. If only the variety of Moroccan olives was available in the States.
In the souk you can find leather shoes and traditional slippers but it can be rather challenging if you have large feet. Clothing is colorful, cool and has Arabic design elements. Djellebas come in many styles and fabrics, a practical form of dress in Morocco but probably not the States.
Traditional Moroccan “poufs”, leather ottomans are everywhere and without the stuffing are relatively easy to bring home as a souvenir. Jewelry is intricate and beautiful and in the souk you are allowed to bargain. The retail stores aren’t as flexible in their prices.
Local music includes Arabic and Indian pop music, Arabic fusion, Bollywood and Western Music. Some vendors may let you listen to the music before you buy. This makes excellent souvenirs to enjoy long after you return.
The experience of Morocco will linger in your memory forever. Morocco is like a complex puzzle; in order to understand it you must immerse yourself in its art, cuisine, culture and traditions.
Practicalities:
Dress: Women will feel more comfortable and less conspicuous in conservative dress, long skirts or pants, no tight fighting or low necklines, keep collar bone covered and men should not wear shorts and tennis shoes unless you are confined to a resort.
Get used to being stared at: Regardless of how you are dressed you will be stared at in Larache.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon, including holding hands and kissing.
Many languages are spoken in Larache: Arabic, French, and Spanish. Some menus can be found in English.
Currency is the Moroccan dirham. In larger stores credit cards are accepted. ATM’s are available.
By Karla Erovick examiner.
IMF: Morocco’s economic performance remains solid
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Mark Lewis visited Rabat from November 2-13. At the conclusion of the visit, the mission issued a statement praising the country’s economic performance. The full statement is the following:
"In the context of the 2009 Article IV consultation discussions, the mission reviewed recent economic developments and the authorities’ strategy for mitigating the impact of the global crisis on Morocco, and discussed policies to boost economic growth, income, and employment. The mission met with ministers, senior government officials, the Central Bank Governor, as well as with representatives from the private sector and labor unions.
Despite the world economic slowdown, Morocco’s economic performance has remained solid. Real GDP growth was 5.6 percent in 2008, and is expected to be around 5 percent in 2009, sustained by strong domestic demand and exceptional agricultural production. Consumer price inflation will drop to less than 2 percent in 2009, reflecting, among other factors, the decline in world commodities price. The current account deficit is expected to improve, assuming that the recent signs of a rebound continue in the last part of the year.
“Fiscal policy will appropriately loosen in 2009 and 2010, reflecting in good part the authorities’ counter-cyclical measures. Over the medium term, fiscal policy should aim to gradually bring the budget deficit below 3 percent of GDP, without jeopardizing the economic rebound. Important reforms in the public finance area are ongoing, including tax reforms, and efforts to gradually replace the current system of subsidies by targeted measures to assist the low-income segments of the population.
“The central bank has responded appropriately to the evolving economic and financial conditions through its interest rate policy and liquidity management tools. The mission notes that the central bank has the necessary tools, resources, and analytical framework in place should monetary policy evolve to an inflation targeting framework.
“The banking sector remains solid, and has largely been untouched by developments in international financial markets. Given the rapid credit growth in recent years, the Central Bank continues to pay close attention to credit quality.
“Strong and sustained economic growth in Morocco will depend on reforms aimed at increasing the productivity and competitiveness of the economy, and boosting Morocco’s ability to compete on external markets. To these ends, the authorities are undertaking a wide range of reforms, including in the sectors of justice, agriculture, energy, and education. Success in these efforts will raise investment and output, and help address key social challenges, including youth unemployment."
By Mark Newton Global Arab Network.
Cameroon, Nigeria qualify, Egypt to play again
JOHANNESBURG, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Cameroon and Nigeria reached the World Cup finals on Saturday but the last available African berth for the 2010 finals was left hanging by a dramatic last-gasp goal in Cairo.
Cameroon set an African record of six World Cup qualifications after beating Morocco 2-0 away to ensure their place in South Africa next June. Nigeria saw their fortunes turn around on as they came from behind to win their group.
Nigeria recovered from a halftime deficit to beat Kenya 3-2 away and overhaul Tunisia whose hopes crumbled in a lacklustre 1-0 defeat in Mozambique in their last Group B game.
Egypt and Algeria failed to settle the outcome in Group C and will play off in neutral Sudan on Wednesday.
Emad Moteab's 95th minute goal in Cairo saw Egypt beat Algeria 2-0 to ensure a deadlock at the head of the standings.]
Algeria were just a minute away from holding out for their first World Cup finals appearance in 24 years when Moteab struck with a looping header at the back post
He had come on a substitute for Amr Zaki who had given Egypt the lead in the second minute of the game
Samuel Eto'o scored his ninth goal of the qualifying campaign as Cameroon made sure of top place in Group A with a win over injury-hit Morocco.
SLIM HOPES
Achille Webo had handed the visitors a 1-0 halftime lead in Fes where Morocco were opening a new stadium. Cameroon eventually finished four points clear of Gabon whose 1-0 loss at Togo put paid to their slim hopes.
Nigeria finished one point ahead of Tunisia as the outcome of Group B see-sawed between the two countries. Their last matches were staged simultaneously.
Nigeria looked out of the running as they trailed at halftime to Kenya but two goals from Obafemi Martins and one from Yakubu Aiyegbeni enabled them to turn around their fortunes and ensure an emotive win in Nairobi.
"This is a typical Nigerian side which you can never rule out when it is faced with adversity," coach Shaibu Amodu told reporters.
Tunisia would have qualified had they won in Maputo but showed little attacking initiative and conceded a late goal to Dario as Mozambique kept up their unbeaten home record in the 2010 qualifiers.
Tunisia had qualified for the last three World Cup finals.
Saturday's matches also saw the final places at January's African Nations Cup finals determined with Malawi, Mozambique, Togo and Zambia grabbing the last available berths.
By Mark Gleeson Reuters.
Cameroon Qualifies for World Cup
Cameroon 2, Morocco 0
FES, Morocco, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Cameroon completed a fine recovery after a stuttering start to their World Cup qualifying campaign to reach the finals in South Africa with a 2-0 away win over Morocco on Saturday.
The Indomitable Lions have now qualified for an African-record six World Cup finals appearances.
Cameroon started the final day of Group A action just a point ahead of Gabon but their progress to South Africa was never in any doubt after they scored on 17 minutes against a depleted Morocco.
A shot from Spanish-based Achille Webo caught the home defence unawares.
Samuel Eto'o grabbed the second goal seven minutes into the second half with a shot from the outside of his boot after a header into the penalty box from Jean Makoun. It was his ninth goal in 11 starts in the 2010 qualifiers.
Cameroon had been bottom of the group standings in mid-year, leading to the firing of German coach Otto Pfister.
His replacement, Frenchman Paul LeGuen, engineered the recovery, appointing Eto'o as captain, and won four successive qualifiers to ensure top place in the group.
Cameroon finished on 13 points, four clear after Gabon lost away to Togo who won thanks to a 71st minute goal from Emmanuel Adebayor.
Before the match, Adebayor had promised to double his team mates' match bonus if they won.
Togo finished third in the group to secure an African Nations Cup final berth in Angola in January.
By REUTERS nytimes
Polisario militant arrested in Morocco
RABAT — Moroccan authorities on Friday detained a Western Sahara activist close to the Polisario Front rebels, Aminatou Haidar, in the disputed territory's main city, a Moroccan security source said.
"Aminatou Haidar was arrested for failing to carry out police formalities when he arrived at Laayoune airport," the source said.
Seven people were held on October 8 at Casablanca airport, after they visited Western Sahara refugee camps run by the Polisario front at Tindouf in southwest Algeria.
The members of the group are to appear before a military tribunal in Rabat on charges of supporting secession, Moroccan press reported.
Their visit to Tindouf led to an outcry among political parties and Moroccan media. Morocco claims Western Sahara is part of its territory.
The Polisario Front has been fighting for the independence of Western Sahara since Morocco annexed it after Spanish settlers left in 1975.
On November 6, King Mohammed VI warned of a crackdown against "opponents of the territorial integrity of Morocco," referring to Sahrawis who support the Polisario Front.
In a speech to the nation on the 34th anniversary of the "Green March," in which his father Hassan II sent tens of thousands of Moroccans to colonise the territory, the king said "communication with to the enemy amounts to high treason."
"There's no more room for ambiguity or duplicity: either a citizen is Moroccan, or he isn't. (...) It's time for clarity and assuming our duty. Either one is a patriot or one is a traitor. There is no just position between patriotism and treason," he added.
With Algerian backing, the Polisario Front is holding out for the independence.
Morocco has proposed broad self-government under its sovereignty in order to end the three decade old conflict which a string of UN peace plans has failed to solve.
Copyright © 2009 AFP.
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