The Wali of the region of Laâyoune-Boujdour-Sakia El Hamra and governor of the province of Laayoune, Mohamed Aguelmouss introduced to Anna Block Mazoyer and Johan Jacobs data on the situation of human rights in southern provinces, during a meeting at the wilaya headquarters.
An explanation of the foundation of the Polisario Front, during the 70s of last century, and the efforts made by Morocco to settle the Sahara issue within the framework of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial unity were also given the two diplomats.
Ms Mazoyer and Mrs. Jacobs also learned, through the presentation by Mr. Hassna Maouelainin, Director of the Regional Investment Center, the economic and social achievements and the effort made for raising the level of development indicators, which were conducted in the capital of the region since its return to the motherland.
Mr. Maouelainin presented during the meeting, the situation and prospects of investment in fisheries, tourism, livestock and initiatives of integrating young people into the labor market, as well as major investment projects that have been made, including the port of Boujdour, the new transformer station of seawater to drinking water at a rate of 13,000 cubic meters per day, the projects planned on the creation of a free zone at Al Marsa over an area of 130 hectares and the creation of a small tourist town in Tarfaya over the area of 500 Hectares.
Both advisers also noted the intervention areas of the South Agency, to improve the level of development of these provinces, as well as projects that have been made under the Five Year Development Plan for the period 2004 - 2008 at a capital budget of 7.2 billion MAD.
The meeting which took place at the Regional Office of the Consultative Council of Human Rights in Laayoune was an opportunity for the two diplomats to know the action made by Morocco to change the human rights situation and strengthen them, especially in the southern provinces, as well as missions provided by the regional office in the field, including its availability on the daily concerns of citizens.
This involves monitoring the implementation of the recommendations of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission, receipt of complaints and the contribution to the rootedness of the culture of human rights in the region.
Several participants at the meeting which brought together the two European diplomats with representatives of civil society, highlighted the progress experienced by Morocco in the field of human rights.
They also reiterated the openness shown by the Morocco vis-à-vis actors, organizations and bodies of human rights, condemning violations committed by Polisario against hostages in the Tindouf camps on the Algerian territory.
Ms. Mazoyer, speaking at a press conference after the meetings, expressed satisfaction saying in this regard, "we are happy with the level of discussion we had, and the frankness of all those with whom we spoke.»
Having highlighted the importance of ideas and issues raised during these meetings, Ms. Mazoyer welcomed the spirit of seriousness that marked the debate. She added "the discussions were serious, frank, open and developed".
For his part Mr. Jacobs said at the press conference that the aim of this visit was to review the situation in Laâyoune and hold meetings with local officials and civil society actors.
At this meeting, which lasted three days, the two diplomats also met with the Attorney General at the Court of Appeal in Laayoune.
Source: MAP
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