Brussels, 11/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday, the head of the EU's diplomatic corps, Catherine Ashton, welcomed the King of Morocco's announcement on Wednesday of extensive constitutional reform. She said “it represents a commitment to further democratisation. The proposed constitutional reform touches on key elements (Ed: as far as Europeans are concerned) for modernisation, such as regionalisation, the independence of justice, the separation of powers, the strengthening of the government's role and equality for women. Once fully implemented, it will be a qualitative leap in the process of reforms already initiated by Morocco.” No doubt the order of these elements is deliberate and they will be carried out under the watchful eye of the EU, which has in the past encouraged Morocco to make speedier progress, as promised under its “advanced status”. Ashton explains: “The proposed constitutional reform is in line with the ambitions of the advanced status. The European Union stands ready to support Morocco's efforts to implement such far-reaching reforms.” She adds that the announcement “opens a period of political debate that should include all political actors and civil society, and be a response to the legitimate aspirations of the Moroccan people”. (F.B./transl.fl)