Strasbourg, 24/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - Clearly delighted at getting to address the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on Tuesday 24 April, the Moroccan foreign minister, Saad Dine El Otmani, said that his country was the very first to become a “Partner for Democracy” at the European Council in June 2011, which he said was proof that there are strong fundamentals for the establishment of the rules of law and sustainable economic development in Morocco. Despite the huge changes and troubles in the region, the Moroccan government has stepped up reforms reflecting its deep attachment to the Moroccan people and to democracy, he said, along with the human rights and the necessary respect of nations. He said that by acting together with the Council of Europe, it would be possible to build a fair world, get North Africa out of a rut and give justice to everyone by means of Muslim values. Encouraged to continue to move towards the rule of law in Morocco, but criticised over the question of the Western Sahara and religious freedom in speeches following his address, Saad Dine El Otmani joined the Council of Europe secretary general, Thorbjørn Jagland, in signing an action plan setting out projects on which Morocco and the Council of Europe can cooperate, in areas like the elections, fighting corruption, protection of rights, promoting justice and social rights. (VL/transl.fl)