Luxembourg, 20/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - The EU welcomes the reforms planned by King Mohammed VI of Morocco, which it describes as a “clear commitment” in favour of democracy. “We welcome the King of Morocco's announcement of the main elements of the new constitution that will be submitted to referendum on 1 July 2011”, said Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Stefan Füle (neighbourhood policy) in a joint press release dated 19 June. “It is a significant step and signals a clear commitment to democracy and respect for human rights”, they added. “The proposed constitution touches on key elements of reform and modernisation, such as the separation of powers, the strengthening of the government's role, the independence of the judiciary, regionalisation and equality of rights between men and women. Once fully implemented, it would be a major step forward in the process of reforms already initiated by Morocco”, Ashton and Füle stress. They conclude: “the European Union is ready to support Morocco's efforts to implement such far-reaching reforms”. (H.B./transl.fl)