I wanted this address, which marks the commemoration of my accession to the Throne and which, this year, coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of Morocco's independence, to be a message that enhances confidence; confidence in ourselves and in our identity, so that it may be safeguarded; confidence in our abilities and accomplishments, in order to reinforce them; and, finally, confidence in the future, so that we may move forward with resolve and determination.

As we take stock, with great satisfaction, of the stages completed, the achievements made, and the major projects and reforms launched, and as we recall the aspirations and hopes inspiring us, we can only conclude that what we have accomplished is the result of the clear vision guiding our social project, of our determination to lay solid foundations for that project, and of our deep faith in our culture, in our identity, in our capabilities and in the future.

My loyal subjects,

Our attachment to the nation’s history and our strong desire to enhance confidence in the present and in the future have been brilliantly illustrated over this past year through both official and public celebrations commemorating the Golden Jubilee of Morocco’s and the Fiftieth Anniversary of the creation of the Royal Armed Forces.

Our history, the epic achievements of the nation, the symbiosis between the Throne and the people, and the constant loyalty to its distinguishing symbols are a source of special pride to us.  It is only natural, therefore, that we should recall, with deep respect and special reverence, the struggle of the hero of the Liberation, my august grandfather, His late Majesty King Mohammed V, may he rest in peace, and that of the architect of modern Morocco, my revered father, His late Majesty King Hassan II, blessed be his soul.

We ask Almighty God to bless the souls of our valiant fighters and martyrs, who gave their lives to defend the homeland, its sacred values and territorial integrity. I should like, in this respect, to commend the Royal Armed Forces, the Gendarmerie, the Security and Auxiliary Forces and the Emergency Services, who are mobilized throughout the country to preserve the citizens’ security and serenity.

My loyal subjects,

Guided by a firm belief in the nation’s future, I undertook an objective, courageous analysis of our history, seeking, in particular, to identify strengths and weaknesses in our development endeavours, and to draw the lessons needed to proceed with confidence and clear vision.

Accordingly, I accepted the publication of the Justice and Reconciliation Commission’s final report in order to boost the nation’s self-confidence.  I entrusted the Advisory Council for Human Rights with the monitoring and implementation of the report’s recommendations, and asked the public authorities concerned to facilitate that mission, each in their respective fields of competence, so that the rule of law may be enhanced and justice done.

Similarly, a report written by a group of Moroccan scholars and experts, which takes stock of the country’s accomplishments in the area of human development during the last fifty-year period, was presented to me.  Its aim is to initiate an in-depth, broad-based debate on the nation’s public policies for the next twenty years.

Building on this resolute, confident approach to the future as well as on the nation’s unanimity and patriotism, I made several decisions and launched a number of initiatives last year with a view to finding a final settlement regarding the nation’s most important cause.

Thus, I proposed that autonomy status be granted to our southern provinces, within the framework of the Kingdom’s sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity, and I consulted political parties on the subject. I commend their positive reaction and sense of commitment, an attitude which reflects the intention of the nation’s stakeholders to close this chapter once and for all, to dedicate resources and energies to the achievement of comprehensive development, and to forge ahead with building the Maghreb Union, this being an absolute necessity dictated by good judgment, the inexorable course of history and the demands of the future.

From the beloved city of Laayun, I announced the setting up of the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs, with a new membership and an extended mandate, allowing for the forces that count in our southern provinces to be constantly involved.  I asked the Council to submit its views on the proposed autonomy, and to suggest steps and initiatives likely to help achieve economic, social and cultural development in those parts of our country, which are so dear to me.  I also insisted the Council should remain open to various currents and trends, and that it should express the aspirations of all the sons of the region, those who live in the southern provinces as well as those who return to the ever-forgiving, ever-merciful homeland.

It is indeed gratifying to note the understanding and positive reaction with which the Moroccan initiative was met among the influential members and institutions of the international community, who have now become convinced of the credibility and balanced nature of our request, and of our earnest attempt to find a negotiated, final political solution to this question.  We shall remain mobilized and shall seek to build on a credible, broad-based and participatory approach in order to promote this initiative.  Similarly, we shall readily cooperate with good-intentioned parties, and continue to call for actions which would enable the common future with our neighbours to realize its full potential.

My loyal subjects,

I am keen to preserve our country’s national unity and territorial integrity, by building on the mutual trust between the Throne and all the segments which make up the nation.  I am just as determined to enhance democracy and the rule of law, and to pursue the development process I am spearheading, for I believe democracy and development go hand in hand.

For that reason, I have always sought to ensure that confidence permeates all aspects of public life.  By that I mean mutual trust between political stakeholders, governed by institutions and protected by the rule of law.  By that I also mean faith in the country and in its capabilities to help release energies, boost the entrepreneurial spirit, and ensure effective participation in development; and, finally, trust in one another.

By the Grace of the Almighty, we have managed to introduce decisive institutional and political reforms, which have created new momentum and given substance to democratic practice in our country.  Today, we want the normal exercise of democracy to be deeply-rooted in our society, knowing that such an objective requires strong commitment on the part of political actors across the board.

As part of my constitutional prerogatives with respect to guaranteeing the proper functioning of institutions and preserving the rights of individuals and groups, I shall introduce whatever reforms and measures may be required by the circumstances and by the country’s interests, in accordance with the unanimous aspirations of the nation.

Armed with absolute confidence in your elite, your youth and your future, you will take part in decisive elections next year.  I want these to be a model ballot and to reflect our aspirations with respect to strengthening democratic practices, which are themselves based on the electoral process and on the results obtained.

The next general election is another crucial test of democracy in our country and of the pertinence of the democratic system for which we have opted.  The forthcoming election must, therefore, be seen as a precious opportunity for voters to make a choice, exercise a constitutional right, and perform a national duty.  Indeed, democracy would have little meaning without the citizens’ involvement. Through elections, voters choose their representatives, and the majority that emerges is entrusted with running public affairs.  More than a statement, voting is a duty one has to perform.

In this respect, I was deeply satisfied with the positive reactions and constructive proposals made in connection with my decision to grant our fellow countrymen who live abroad the right to be represented in parliament.

As I am anxious to enable our expatriate community to participate in the nation’s political, economic and cultural affairs, I have decided that we should start, next year, by setting up the supreme council of the Moroccan community living abroad, making sure its members are competent, credible and representative.  At the same time, the various proposals made and the most effective means of implementing my decision will continue to be discussed.

We should keep in mind that the election is not an end in itself, as much as a means to rise to the major challenges facing the nation, and to find concrete solutions to the real problems confronting citizens.  Addressing these problems should not continue to be conditioned by electoral stakes.  I therefore urge all economic and social actors to pursue the implementation of their agenda, to shoulder their responsibilities in full, and to make sure electoral campaigning does not have an adverse effect on their action.

I hope that the time between now and the next general election will be put to good use, and that it will be marked by clear instances of democratic debate that leads, in particular, to constructive proposals for a new series of reforms and projects designed to strengthen the accomplishments made and create new momentum, in order to improve our economic and social indicators.

This year coincides with the thirtieth anniversary of the 1976 Communal Charter, a text which was revised and remodelled in 2002.  This should give us an opportunity to assess our experience in local democracy in order to define our future objectives with regard to expanding the scope of democratic practice and ensuring the efficiency of public policies and community programs.

We should, in this respect, give fresh impetus to the process of decentralization and regionalization. As a corollary of decentralization, devolved management should become a pivotal instrument in all public sectors and one of the main ingredients for good territorial governance.
My loyal subjects,
If ever there were an area requiring absolute confidence, surely that would be the field of economic and human development, a domain I have made the cornerstone of the nation’s democratic edifice.

Thanks to the economic reforms and major structural projects launched and to the good governance principles adopted, our country has managed to earn the confidence of its partners, financial backers, investors and economic stakeholders.  It is gratifying to note their steadily increasing presence and involvement in major projects in Morocco, as well as their role in boosting investment and creating jobs.

This dynamic environment will further enhance my determination to pursue efforts aimed at developing a modern, competitive economy, which is integrated into the global economy, which benefits from all that the knowledge-based society has to offer to stimulate growth, and which plays an active role in international markets and in new, high value-added products.  This is precisely what we have been doing by focussing on certain leading sectors, such as tourism and industrial, agricultural and service sectors, in addition to areas where we have a comparative advantage.  To this end, we have upgraded the production industry and restructured the handicraft sector which, as well as being a main job provider, plays an effective part in development.

Reflecting all the confidence I have in our economy and in our capabilities, state authorities have been making efforts to expand and upgrade the Kingdom’s infrastructures, both to sustain regional and international competition - through the construction of motorways, major ports and seaside resorts - and to meet the requirements of territorial and social development, through social housing programs, the supply of electricity and drinking water, and the construction of rural roads.

As I firmly believe in the importance of scientific and technical research to achieve development, and in the need to be part of the knowledge and technology-based society, I presided over the setting up of the Hassan II Academy of Science and Technology. This shows how confident I am in our country’s promising human resources, at home as well as abroad, who are eager to contribute to shaping the nation’s future.

Social and economic development, however, cannot be achieved until large segments of our population have been freed from poverty, exclusion and marginalization. Because of these social ills, not all citizens can contribute to the nation’s development on an equal footing with their fellow countrymen, enjoy their rights or fulfill their obligations. As a result, I have been keen to ensure the nation’s energies are released, and to promote solidarity and social cohesion, making this the cornerstone of comprehensive economic development in the country.

The results obtained in connection with the National Initiative for Human Development, after one year, are a source of deep satisfaction.  Numerous promising development projects have been put on track, and citizens, elected officials and NGOs have been closely involved in the Initiative’s programs, in an attempt to make up for sectorial or regional disparities and imbalances.

As you know, my loyal subjects, in virtually every one of my speeches, I have insisted on the strategic – and urgent – nature of the education and training issue. Once again, I call on all the sectors concerned, on the nation’s resources in general, and on all citizens who are anxious to secure a bright future for Moroccan schools, to show even stronger mobilization in order to overcome obstacles and ensure the success of the educational reform process.  To attain these objectives, I have set up the Higher Council for Education and want it to serve as a forum for debate and consultation, so that the question of education and training can be properly addressed, especially as it concerns all Moroccans.  It is now high time a final decision were made in this regard, to enable the sector to receive the impetus it needs at this stage in order to meet the challenge of upgrading our human resources and of paving the way for a promising future.

My loyal subjects,

Our strategic national options are, in their essence, in tune with our country’s international obligations and reflect the cohesion between our domestic and foreign policies.  This means that the development of democracy at home enhances the nation’s regional and international influence.

Our country, therefore, consistently strives to develop, in conjunction with African sister nations, concrete programs which are based on solidarity and experience sharing and which seek to fulfill the specific needs of citizens.

The first Euro-African Ministerial Conference on Migration and Development is not only another illustration of Morocco’s commitment to Africa, but is also a confirmation of the need to adopt a global approach in addressing migration issues, in a spirit of shared responsibility and development for all.

Morocco’s genuine commitment to human rights, as they are universally recognized, and its major accomplishments in this area have been acknowledged by the international community through the election of our country as member of the new UN Human Rights Council and as Vice-President of the Council, representing the African continent.

Thanks to Morocco’s credibility and the confidence it inspires regionally and internationally, our country remains an effective partner in the Middle-East peace process, despite current difficulties in the region.  I should like to express my deep concern over the dramatic developments in the occupied Palestinian territories.  I also strongly condemn the Israeli war machine’s blatant act of aggression against Palestinian civilians and their vital infrastructure and institutions.

Given these challenges and hostilities, our Palestinian brothers should strive to close ranks and enhance national unity and cohesion.

I call upon the international community, especially the Quartet in charge of the Middle-East peace process, to exert all possible efforts to end the current crisis and bring the parties back to the negotiating table. This is the only means of achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace, which would enable the peoples of the region to live side by side in security and concord, while allowing our Palestinian brothers to enjoy their legitimate rights, and to set up their viable state, with Al-Quds al-Sharif as its capital, in keeping with international legality resolutions, the Road Map and the Arab Peace Initiative.

As Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, I shall spare no effort to preserve the ancient historical identity of this holy city - where the revealed religions coexist - both in international for a and by giving new momentum to Bait Mal Al-Quds al-Sharif.  In this respect, I ask the international community to fully shoulder its responsibility in order to stop the violation of holy shrines and to ensure that the legal status of Al-Quds al-Sharif is respected.

While insisting on the need to pursue efforts to find a comprehensive solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, I strongly condemn the Israeli aggression against our sister nation Lebanon, Israel’s disproportionate use of military force, and the destruction of Lebanon’s vital infrastructure.  The Kingdom of Morocco rejects the use of force and counterforce, and condemns all operations targeting innocent civilians, wherever they may be.

I wish to voice my growing concern over these dramatic developments and to call on the United Nations Organization to take decisive action in order to prevent any escalation or widening of military operations in the area, and to put an end to the infringement of international law and international agreements.

Armed with the same strong resolve, Morocco has been working actively to support all efforts designed to help our sister nation Iraq out of its predicament, and enable it to build national institutions which can restore security and stability, and achieve development for the sake of the Iraqi people, while preserving the country’s national unity and territorial integrity.

During the past year, I have sought to consolidate Morocco’s strategic partnership with the European Union and should like, in this respect, to express satisfaction with the implementation of the various aspects of the action plan pertaining to this partnership.  I hope it will lead to the emergence of a solid, energized, multiform partnership which is likely to raise our association with the European Union to the “advanced status” I have suggested.

Using the same dynamic approach, we are pursuing our endeavors to boost and diversify partnership relations with other European nations and with American and Asian countries, in accordance with an open, integrated, coherent strategy.

Being committed to, solidarity and partnership, we are doing all we can to build the Arab Maghreb Union, using a clear, resolute vision.  This is all the more necessary, given the longstanding ties of brotherhood and the history, civilization and common destiny binding the peoples of the region.  In view of the current international situation, the need to coalesce and join forces has, indeed, become urgent. We shall remain faithful to the letter and the spirit of the founding Marrakech Treaty, which seeks to enhance complementarity and integration, while fully respecting the specificities and immutable national values of each one of our five states, and at the same time promoting an open approach to the regional environment and international partners.

My loyal subjects,

To rise to current and future challenges, we need to have full confidence in ourselves and to believe firmly that, notwithstanding the difficulties and the constraints, our future lies in our hands.

As a nation steeped in history, we must, therefore, believe in the pertinence of our approach and be proud of our accomplishments with respect to development and democracy.  The nation’s intelligentsia, political elite, economic actors and NGOs should show the way by being steadfastly committed to the country’s causes and aspirations, and by taking an active part in the nation’s development projects.

Moroccans’ confidence in themselves, their faith in their state and institutions, and their belief in the virtues of hard work and perseverance are indispensable ingredients for a promising future.  Such a mindset is the source of our strength and resilience; it makes it possible for us to tackle whatever difficulties or constraints may confront us.

I therefore want you, my loyal subjects, to have unwavering faith in your exceptionally varied, yet cohesive identity, and to believe strongly in your future, your abilities and your social project. You should continue to believe in your objectives and to stick to the deadlines to which we jointly committed ourselves, in order to build a prosperous Morocco dedicated to the ideals of solidarity.

Having deep faith in the vibrant Moroccan society, its men, its women and especially its youth, I reiterate my pledge to the close, everlasting bond uniting the Throne and the people, and vow to preserve your interests and to continue to lead you towards progress and a life in dignity.  This is my steadfast intention and, by the grace of the Almighty, we shall succeed.

“O my Lord! bestow wisdom on me, and join me with the righteous.  Grant me honourable mention on the tongue of truth among the latest (generations)”.  The Word of God is Truth.
Wassalamu alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh.