Brussels, 04/07/2011 (Agence Europe) - Catherine Ashton “welcomes” the “positive outcome” of the referendum on the new constitution, which took place in Morocco on 1st July, and which was approved by the virtual unanimity of the votes cast, give or take one percentage point (98.5% voted yes, of a turnout rate which the government has confirmed reached 72%). The high representative of the EU stresses the “peaceful and democratic spirit” which prevailed during the popular consultation called for by the King to defuse growing tension, similar to that which led to recent events in Tunisia and Egypt, and other countries in the region since then. The constitution proposes moving from an omnipotent monarchy to a parliamentary type royalty. However, the formal reduction of royal devolutions will not weaken the king's power, and this is the point stressed by the “February 20 Movement” that is behind the current spirit of challenge to the monarchy, which had called for a boycott and is contesting the regularity of the elections. Demonstrations by opponents of the regime took place on Sunday at the behest of this movement and various Islamic organisations.
Catherine Ashton states that this step Morocco has taken is in line with its commitments under the “advanced status”, which calls on this partner country to speed up its political and legal reforms and to take steps in favour of preserving freedoms. The reforms proposed in the draft constitution “include important commitments to enhancing democracy and respect for human rights”, Ashton notes. They will, she continues, enhance the separation of powers, particularly by reinforcing the role of the parliament and the independence of the justice system. They will make it possible to promote “advancing regionalisation” and to shore up gender equality. She is also pleased to note that the citizen will be at the heart of this process of reforms. The EU “encourages the swift and effective implementation of this reform agenda” and is ready “to fully support Morocco” in fulfilling this commitment.
Rachida Dati, a member of the European Parliament (EPP, France) also states that she “welcomes the massive support given by the Moroccan people to the constitutional reform called for by His Majesty King Mohammed VI”. She “hails the king's courage and vision (…), for having brought this reform before his people with exemplary determination. In this vote, the Moroccans have reaffirmed their full respect, support and commitment to him.” “This historic moment for Morocco was the initiative of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in full independence and with no external influence! With this democratic impetus, Morocco has taken its own destiny in hand and is clearly affirming itself as one of the great reforming nations of the 21st century: today, it is a model, well beyond the borders of Maghreb. They are a people aware of their history, confident of their destiny and sure of their identity, who have expressed their will serenely to remodel their institutions and constitutionalise the fundamental values which unite the people of Morocco”, Dati commented. “Europe is honoured to have a partner like Morocco, which is showing other Arab nations that if their leaders are not cut off from their people, they can count on their support for reforms to bring in more democracy and more liberty!”, she concluded. (F.B./transl.fl)