The U.S. congresswoman also said Morocco has also set up new institutions and mechanisms to promote human rights across the country, adding that the new Moroccan constitution also provides new high standards to protect human rights.

Morocco now meets criteria for advanced protection and monitoring of human rights and should be applauded for this initiative which is part of its ongoing reforms and its commitment to improving the quality of life for all Moroccans, including those living in the Sahara, concluded Jackson Lee.

Morocco is the "best friend and ally" of the United States in North Africa, said U.S. democratic congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, stressing it is important, in light of the events in the Arab region, to "recognize and support" the efforts of the countries that "share our democratic values" and support the kind of reforms that the region desperately needs.

Morocco is working seriously to become a reference in the region for progress, reform and development, and the U.S. should therefore do everything it can to support these essential efforts, said Jackson addressing the U.S. House of Representatives.

News and events concerning Western Sahara issue/ Corcas