Cairo - The Egyptian Writers' Union announced, on Friday, that the 2009 Naguib Mahfouz award will be granted to the Moroccan writer and intellectual Bensalem Himmich for his oeuvre.
The 10,000-dollar award will be handed to Himmich, also Culture Minister, on September 8 in Cairo.
For Mohamed Sayed Aid, President of the jury, the Moroccan writer uses smoothly his knowledge of the heritage to address topical issues.
The jury is comprised of noted writers and critics under the supervision of the Egyptian Writers' Union.
Professor of philosophy at the Mohammed V University in Rabat, Bensalem Himmich writes in both Arab and French literary and philosophical works.
He is laureate of a number of awards, including the Grand Atlas award (2000), the Naguib Mahfouz award (2002) and the Sharjah-UNESCO award (2003). Three of his novels were translated into several languages.
vendredi 21 août 2009
Morocco hosts Afro-Atlantic meeting to explore opportunities, face challenges
Rabat - Morocco is organizing a conference of Foreign ministers from African nations lapped by the Atlantic Ocean with the aim of exploring opportunities and facing common challenges.
The north African country's government hopes this first-ever meeting, which gathers 15 countries, would help reinforce dialogue and elaborate common strategies vis-à-vis complex economic, environmental and security challenges.
Foreign Minister, Taib Fassi Fihri said at the opening late Monday, the meeting will allow for sharing experiences and views on cooperation and co-development as the countries taking part "share the same specificities (…) and face common threats, including organized crime networks, piracy and drug-trafficking."
"Of course there are risks to take, but there are also economic opportunities that we need to take advantage of," Fassi Fihri said.
The meeting is held in a bid to make of this region "a space of stability and shared prosperity," he said. It's importance is dictated by the present international juncture, which necessitates dialogue with other European and American countries, he noted.
This conference mirrors Morocco’s interest to develop relations with the countries of the continent, the FM told MAP. It is part of the “cooperation efforts and the dynamic witnessed in African-Moroccan cooperation in the last few years,” he added.
The countries partaking in the two-day meeting are Benin, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea , Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sao-Tomé and Principe, Senegal, Togo, Angola, Congo, Mauritania, Nigeria and Gabon.
The north African country's government hopes this first-ever meeting, which gathers 15 countries, would help reinforce dialogue and elaborate common strategies vis-à-vis complex economic, environmental and security challenges.
Foreign Minister, Taib Fassi Fihri said at the opening late Monday, the meeting will allow for sharing experiences and views on cooperation and co-development as the countries taking part "share the same specificities (…) and face common threats, including organized crime networks, piracy and drug-trafficking."
"Of course there are risks to take, but there are also economic opportunities that we need to take advantage of," Fassi Fihri said.
The meeting is held in a bid to make of this region "a space of stability and shared prosperity," he said. It's importance is dictated by the present international juncture, which necessitates dialogue with other European and American countries, he noted.
This conference mirrors Morocco’s interest to develop relations with the countries of the continent, the FM told MAP. It is part of the “cooperation efforts and the dynamic witnessed in African-Moroccan cooperation in the last few years,” he added.
The countries partaking in the two-day meeting are Benin, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea , Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sao-Tomé and Principe, Senegal, Togo, Angola, Congo, Mauritania, Nigeria and Gabon.
Ramadan starts Saturday in Morocco
Rabat - Islam's holy month, Ramadan, will start on Saturday in Morocco, the Ministry of Waqf and Islamic Affairs said on Friday.
The same source confirmed in a statement the appearance, late on Friday, of the lunar crescent which determines the commencement of Islam's fasting month, Ramadan.
consequently, the first day of Ramadan, 1430 AH, corresponds to Saturday, August 22, 2009.
President Ben Ali focuses on preparations for month of Ramadan
TUNISIAONLINENEWS- During his meeting with the Minister of Religious Affairs, Mr Boubaker El Akhzouri, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali focused on the programs and preparations set up by the Ministry of Religious Affairs for the Holy month on Ramadan.
President Ben Ali recommended to continue to ensure the protection of places of worship during the Holy month, with a view to provide the faithful with the necessary serenity and meditation.
He also recommended to intensify religious preaches, conferences during Ramadan, so as to explain the noble tenets and values of Islam.
The Head of State also focused on measures taken to organise an international competition of memorization and reciting of the Koran, as well as the attribution of the International Prize of the President of the Republic for Islamic studies.
Ramadan begins Saturday in Algeria
ALGIERS- The Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadhan of 1430 Hegira year will begin on Saturday 22 August 2009, as Ramadan crescent moon that determines the beginning of a lunar month was not sighted yesterday (Thursday), announced the National Moon-Sighting Committee in session on Tuesday evening at the Religious Affairs and Waqf Ministry's headquarters. The National Moon-Sighting Committee, including sub-committees throughout 48 provinces nationwide, comprises Ulamas (religious scholars) and experts from the Research Centre in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Geophysics (CRAAG).
WHO urges international community to prepare for new swine flu wave
Beijing (China)- The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged on Friday the international community to prepare for a likely second wave of swine flu. "We can not say for certain whether the worst is over or the worst is yet to come," said WHO Head Margaret Chan in a videotaped address at the opening of the three-day meeting on flu in the Asia-Pacific region. "We need to prepare for whatever surprises this capricious new virus delivers next (...) constant random mutation is the survival mechanism of the microbial world," she said.
Libya: Al-Megrahi received a hero to the great displeasure of Washington21/08 07:28
The Libyan convicted of the Lockerbie bombing in Scotland, was welcomed last night by hundreds of people at the airport in Tripoli.
A few hours earlier, the Scottish Minister of Justice announced qu'Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, was released for medical reasons. He is terminally ill with cancer.
The U.S. President had called on his side he is not welcomed in Libya and is under house arrest upon arrival in his country.
Most of the victims of the Lockerbie bombing were American and anger in the United States. Part of relatives felt it was a mistake to release Al-Megrahi. It is the opinion of the opposition leader David Cameron UK. "This man was convicted of killing 270 people. He showed no compassion for them. They could not return home to die with their relatives. "
Abdel Basset Al-Megrahi was sentenced in 2001 to life in prison with a sentence of 27 years of safety. In 2003, Libya has offered $ 2.7 billion compensation to the families of victims.
They have lost a loved one in December 1988 over Lockerbie in Scotland, when a Boeing of the U.S. company Panam exploded over Lockerbie.
A few hours earlier, the Scottish Minister of Justice announced qu'Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, was released for medical reasons. He is terminally ill with cancer.
The U.S. President had called on his side he is not welcomed in Libya and is under house arrest upon arrival in his country.
Most of the victims of the Lockerbie bombing were American and anger in the United States. Part of relatives felt it was a mistake to release Al-Megrahi. It is the opinion of the opposition leader David Cameron UK. "This man was convicted of killing 270 people. He showed no compassion for them. They could not return home to die with their relatives. "
Abdel Basset Al-Megrahi was sentenced in 2001 to life in prison with a sentence of 27 years of safety. In 2003, Libya has offered $ 2.7 billion compensation to the families of victims.
They have lost a loved one in December 1988 over Lockerbie in Scotland, when a Boeing of the U.S. company Panam exploded over Lockerbie.
CBAO-Attijariwafabank group net banking income up 9% in 2008
Dakar - The West Africa Banking Company (CBAO) and the Moroccan banking group Attijariwafa Bank achieved, in 2008, a net banking income of 62.9 billion CFA francs (138,526. 355 dollars), i.e. a 9.2% rise, according to a note published Thursday in Dakar.
"CBAO- Attijariwafa bank group" is formed through merger between Senegalese bank CBAO and the Moroccan subsidiary "Attijari bank Senegal" in 2008.
However, the group's 2008 annual report said that its profit after tax is slightly down as the net income did not exceed 8.4 billion CFA francs in 2008, compared to 11.8 billion CFA francs a year earlier.
Medium- and long- term credits increased by 17.10%, despite the economic downturn faced by customers during the year 2008, added the same source.
CBAO-Attijariwafabank group has a network of 54 bank agencies and two networks of money transfers in Senegal.
"CBAO- Attijariwafa bank group" is formed through merger between Senegalese bank CBAO and the Moroccan subsidiary "Attijari bank Senegal" in 2008.
However, the group's 2008 annual report said that its profit after tax is slightly down as the net income did not exceed 8.4 billion CFA francs in 2008, compared to 11.8 billion CFA francs a year earlier.
Medium- and long- term credits increased by 17.10%, despite the economic downturn faced by customers during the year 2008, added the same source.
CBAO-Attijariwafabank group has a network of 54 bank agencies and two networks of money transfers in Senegal.
A study shows Morocco 3rd best destination of FDIs in Africa
London - Morocco was placed in the third place as the best destination of foreign direct investments in Africa over 2009-2010 thanks in particular to its good results in the areas of infrastructures, FDIs strategy and economic potential, according to a study by fDi Intelligence.
The kingdom came behind South Africa and Egypt.
The "African countries of the future 2009-2010" was prepared by a panel of independent experts on the basis of data covering 59 countries.
It analyses the situation in these countries, taking into consideration the results achieved in such areas as the economic potential, human resources, living standards, infrastructures, the economic potential and the investment strategy.
fDi Intelligence is a specialist Division from the Financial Times Ltd, which provides investors with independent data to help them make informed decisions regarding foreign direct investment.
The kingdom came behind South Africa and Egypt.
The "African countries of the future 2009-2010" was prepared by a panel of independent experts on the basis of data covering 59 countries.
It analyses the situation in these countries, taking into consideration the results achieved in such areas as the economic potential, human resources, living standards, infrastructures, the economic potential and the investment strategy.
fDi Intelligence is a specialist Division from the Financial Times Ltd, which provides investors with independent data to help them make informed decisions regarding foreign direct investment.
President of Kerzner Development dies in Morocco at 53 years
El Jadida - Jim Boocher, President of Kerzner Development, a branch of the Kerzner International Holdings, died Tuesday of a heart attack at the age of 53, a statement of the Holding said.
Boocher, an outstanding executive of the Kerzner Holdings, was supervising the Mazagan Resort Development in Morocco's Atlantic city of El Jadida, due to open this October 2009.
In 1996, he integrated the Kerzner Holding, a world leading upscale hotel and resort firm, and was in charge of overseeing a number of its major projects, including the 1.5-billion dollars Atlantis The Palm Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.
Boocher, an outstanding executive of the Kerzner Holdings, was supervising the Mazagan Resort Development in Morocco's Atlantic city of El Jadida, due to open this October 2009.
In 1996, he integrated the Kerzner Holding, a world leading upscale hotel and resort firm, and was in charge of overseeing a number of its major projects, including the 1.5-billion dollars Atlantis The Palm Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.
Morocco back to GMT on Aug. 20
Rabat - Morocco will get back to the GMT on August 20 at midnight, the Ministry of Public Sectors Modernisation has announced.
On June 1, the kingdom adopted the daylight saving time with the aim of saving energy by 1%, and reducing the time difference between the country and its regional and international economic partners.
Last year Morocco adopted the daylight saving time, which was a successful experience in terms of energy saving.
Morocco's commitment to disarmament, a strategic choice, diplomat
Geneva - Morocco's U.N. ambassador in Geneva, Omar Hilale said on Thursday that the Kingdom's commitment to the issues of disarmament has been a "strategic choice" since its independence.
Hilale said the North African country has always cherished the ideals of peace, security and the principle of peaceful settlement of conflicts.
The diplomat, who was speaking at a conference on disarmament, said Morocco has always supported disarmament, "sole guarantor of durable peace and security and of the prevention of the proliferation of WMDs."
The whole world agrees on the fact that nuclear weapons should never be used due to their effects, their impact on the environment, and their serious fallouts on regional and global security.
Hilale called on the international community to create a nuclear weapon free zone in the Middle East, in which all the nuclear facilities of the countries of the region are subjected to the IAEA monitoring system.
It is necessary to establish a climate of trust, a critical element to halt the race for disarmament, and restore peace as well as regional and international security, he said.
Ending the disarmament race in the extra-atmospheric space is a top priority for the international community, Hilale maintained, adding that this space is a human common heritage and should be used for pure peaceful purposes.
Hilale said the North African country has always cherished the ideals of peace, security and the principle of peaceful settlement of conflicts.
The diplomat, who was speaking at a conference on disarmament, said Morocco has always supported disarmament, "sole guarantor of durable peace and security and of the prevention of the proliferation of WMDs."
The whole world agrees on the fact that nuclear weapons should never be used due to their effects, their impact on the environment, and their serious fallouts on regional and global security.
Hilale called on the international community to create a nuclear weapon free zone in the Middle East, in which all the nuclear facilities of the countries of the region are subjected to the IAEA monitoring system.
It is necessary to establish a climate of trust, a critical element to halt the race for disarmament, and restore peace as well as regional and international security, he said.
Ending the disarmament race in the extra-atmospheric space is a top priority for the international community, Hilale maintained, adding that this space is a human common heritage and should be used for pure peaceful purposes.
Former polisario leader denounces impoverishment, brainwashing suffered by Tindouf population
Dakhla - Ahmeddou Ould Souilem, a former leading founding member of the Algeria-backed separatist movement of Polisario who recently returned to Morocco, denounced the process of "impoverishment, moral indoctrination and brainwashing" suffered by the population of the Tindouf camps (south-western Algeria).
Ould Souilem, who held a meeting on Saturday with civil society actors in the southern city of Dakhla, underlined "the failure of the separatist theory of the polisario's leaders that proved to be unrealistic and fails to meet the convictions of the Sahrawis."
He said that polisario and Algeria "have an interest in the status quo to the detriment of the sufferings endured by the inhabitants of the camps."
He drew attention to the contradictions in the position of Algeria, which "claims to defend the interests of the Sahrawis, while rejecting their return to the homeland and keeping them in an unsustainable place."
Referring to Morocco's proposal to grant autonomy to its southern provinces, the Sahara, Ould Souilem said that this initiative is a "courageous step" that offers "a real alternative to the status quo of the Sahara issue."
He also called on the Sahrawis to step up efforts for the realization of this initiative, which “takes into account our concerns and ensures our future in our homeland.”
Ould Souilem, who held a meeting on Saturday with civil society actors in the southern city of Dakhla, underlined "the failure of the separatist theory of the polisario's leaders that proved to be unrealistic and fails to meet the convictions of the Sahrawis."
He said that polisario and Algeria "have an interest in the status quo to the detriment of the sufferings endured by the inhabitants of the camps."
He drew attention to the contradictions in the position of Algeria, which "claims to defend the interests of the Sahrawis, while rejecting their return to the homeland and keeping them in an unsustainable place."
Referring to Morocco's proposal to grant autonomy to its southern provinces, the Sahara, Ould Souilem said that this initiative is a "courageous step" that offers "a real alternative to the status quo of the Sahara issue."
He also called on the Sahrawis to step up efforts for the realization of this initiative, which “takes into account our concerns and ensures our future in our homeland.”
Guinea reiterates support to Morocco in Sahara issue
Conakry - The Sahara is an "integral part" of Morocco and Guinea will always side with Morocco, Guinean President, Captain Moussa Dadis Camara said.
"The Sahara is indeed an integral part of Morocco," Dadis Camara said at a recent press conference in Conakry, during the Oscar award of the African Managers Committee.
"Since its independence, Guinea has always been on Morocco’s side in this issue," he added, deeming it "shocking and even irritating to challenge such historical realities."
The Guinean head of state condemned the "geopolitical manipulation attempts" to divide up the borders of the continent's countries.
"We strongly condemn any manipulation aiming at separating Africa from the Maghreb or at destabilizing Africa," he insisted.
Dadis Camara also said he considers Morocco as one of the most respected kingdoms in the world, where peace and tranquility prevail under the dynamic leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, to whom the people of Guinea owe gratitude and respect.”
"The Sahara is indeed an integral part of Morocco," Dadis Camara said at a recent press conference in Conakry, during the Oscar award of the African Managers Committee.
"Since its independence, Guinea has always been on Morocco’s side in this issue," he added, deeming it "shocking and even irritating to challenge such historical realities."
The Guinean head of state condemned the "geopolitical manipulation attempts" to divide up the borders of the continent's countries.
"We strongly condemn any manipulation aiming at separating Africa from the Maghreb or at destabilizing Africa," he insisted.
Dadis Camara also said he considers Morocco as one of the most respected kingdoms in the world, where peace and tranquility prevail under the dynamic leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, to whom the people of Guinea owe gratitude and respect.”
H.M. the king to create advisory body to open up the judiciary
Tetuan - H.M. King Mohammed VI said Thursday evening that he intends to create a "standing, diversified highly representative advisory body that will enable the judiciary to open up to the surrounding environment."
In a nationwide speech on the occasion of the 56th anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People, the sovereign said this platform will serve as an "institutional forum for reflection and expertise-sharing on matters relating to justice, without encroaching on the powers of constitutional institutions and public authorities or on the independence of the judiciary."
"The judiciary is not only an essential prerequisite to ensure citizens are equal before the law, but it is also a mainstay of justice and of social stability. In fact, the legitimacy of the state itself and the inviolability of its institutions derive their strength from the power of justice, which is the cornerstone of governance systems," said the monarch.
The monarch decided that “strong impetus” should be given to the reform of justice. This reform will be based on a “roadmap with a clear frame of reference, ambitious objectives, specific priorities and effective implementation steps,” he said.
H.M. the king added that the outstanding elements in this frame of reference are “the immutable values of the nation, mainly the notion that justice is part and parcel of the duties lying with the Imarat Al Muminin (Commandership of the Faithful), and that it is the Monarch who is responsible for upholding the independence of the judiciary.”
In this respect, H.M. the King called for taking into account the relevant national proposals, recommendations, and the constructive conclusions included in the document drafted by the Ministry of Justice, following the broad-based consultations initiated by the ministry. “The international commitments of the Kingdom must also be kept in mind,” he insisted.
The reform is aimed to make justice “more trustworthy, credible, effective and equitable, because it serves as a strong shield to protect the rule of law.
“It is a pillar of judicial security and good governance, and acts as a booster for development,” the sovereign said, adding: “We also want to make sure justice keeps up with the domestic and international changes underway, and meets the standards of justice as it should be in the 21st century.”
To achieve these major objectives, H.M. the King called on the government to develop a “comprehensive, integrated plan, in accordance with a well-defined agenda that reflects the strategic depth of the reform.”
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