2006 THRONE DAY SPEECH: MORE CONFIDENCE, LESS

C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 001540 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/MAG, NEA/PI E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/14/2011 TAGS: PGOV PINR PHUM PREL MO SUBJECT: 2006 THRONE DAY SPEECH: MORE CONFIDENCE, LESS REFORM REF: A. 05 RABAT 01612 ¶B. RABAT 00918 ¶C. RABAT 01450 Classified By: A/Polcouns Cherie Lenzen, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary: King Mohammed VI delivered his seventh Throne Day speech on July 30 (reftel C). This year's speech followed the model established in his 1999 speech -- a recapitulation of accomplishments over the past year. Only the 2004 and 2005 (reftel A) speeches diverged from the accomplishments model and served as a national forum to promote initiatives. The 2004 and 2005 speeches emphasized new ideas and projects within his governance model rather than listing the Government of Morocco's (GOM) achievements. This year's speech suggests the king is focused on following through with initiatives already underway, rather than launching new ones. The king laid responsibility for democratic and economic change on all stakeholders, citizens and the government, while not specifically mentioning civil society. Positive relationships with Europe and Africa were detailed as was the king's strong condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza and in Lebanon. He presented the resolution of the Western Sahara issue as if there is international agreement on the territory being Moroccan with autonomy. End Summary. -------------- Internal Relations -------------- ¶2. (C) Social development continued to be a crucial theme in the king's speech; however, the idea of "responsible citizenship," developed in the 2005 speech, was modified. Although the king emphasized the importance of voting as a national duty, he also hinted at the responsibility of the GOM to take care of citizens. (Note: The GOM is the king's government by the constitution, reftel B. End Note.) In 2005, the king said "responsible citizenship" is "instrumental" in helping to implement National Initiative of Human Development (INDH) projects. He outlined GOM attempts to encourage development and said that they would not be fully achieved until Moroccans show "greater entrepreneurship and become, once again, actively involved in stimulating the economy and boosting productivity." The king also "reminded" everyone that the battle against unemployment required "collective endeavors." Changing his tone this year, the king said that the GOM would "liberate" people from "poverty, exclusion and marginalization," in effect making the task the GOM's responsibility rather than that of the people. The king implied that those who suffer from these "social ills," i.e., poverty, exclusion, marginalization, are not given the chance to "enjoy their rights or fulfill their obligations." ¶3. (C) The king made educational reform a "top priority" in his 2005 speech with the creation of the Higher Council for Education; however, in this year's speech he seemed frustrated with the lack of progress. This year he stressed that the need for educational reform is "urgent." For the king, education is crucial to "shaping the nation's future." ¶4. (C) With the 2007 parliamentary elections approaching, the king emphasized the importance of political participation. This year he stressed that voting is a "constitutional right," "a national duty," and an "obligation" of citizens. The king said that "democracy would have little meaning without the citizens' involvement," and he emphasized the direct link between citizens and those they elect to manage public affairs. In the past, the king only encouraged citizens to enhance democracy through realizing "community spirit." (Comment: In 2002, voter turnout was 34.6 percent of the eligible voters. Seventeen percent of the ballots cast were spoiled or blank. In 1997, voter turnout was over 50 percent. Because of the poor turnout in 2002, the king lowered the voting age to 18 from ¶20. End Comment.) -------------- External Relations -------------- ¶5. (C) Although the king has mentioned deepening regional and international partnerships in past speeches, this year he outlined in great detail his hopes for deepening Morocco's relationships with the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU),the European Union (EU),Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. He referred to Africa and Lebanon as Morocco's "sisters," and Palestine as "brother." (Note: August 7 French language press reported that twenty-five African countries representatives, who were attending the Assilah cultural festival, called for Morocco to re-join the African Union (AU). End Note.) ¶6. (C) In 2005, the king emphasized Morocco's relationship with countries to the "North" and the "South," i.e., Europe and Africa, over partnerships with other Arab countries. This year, however, he supported both the Palestinians and Lebanon. He said: "I ... strongly condemn the Israeli war machine's blatant act of aggression against Palestinian civilians and their vital infrastructure and institutions." And, as chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, he continued: "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." Concerning Lebanon, the king said: "I strongly condemn the Israeli aggression against our sister nation Lebanon . . . and (I) call on the United Nations to take decisive action in order to prevent any escalation or widening of military operations . . ." -------------- The Western Sahara -------------- ¶7. (C) The king's tone on the Western Sahara changed significantly. He used much less colorful language and was less aggressive than in his 2005 speech. For example, in 2005, he called the dispute "artificial" and considered Morocco the "compassionate, merciful homeland." In the 2006 speech, however, he did not mention Algeria while discussing the Western Sahara. This year, the king indicated he would grant the territories "autonomous rule, within the framework of the kingdom's sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity," which in his 2005 speech he said would be granted only after "meaningful negotiations" and a UN-backed solution. -------------- Comparative Themes -------------- ¶8. (C) Several ideas have seemingly grown in importance, based on an analysis of the frequency of certain words in the king's speech. For example, the king stressed the word "confidence" amongst citizens and in Morocco's government and future, saying the word 17 times in 2006 compared to two times in 2005 and none in 2004. Other words he emphasized in the 2006 speech included "development" (24 times compared to 17 times in 2005 and 19 times in 2004),"future" (16 times compared to none in 2005 or 2004),"democracy" (14 times in 2006, 11 times in 2005, and 17 times in 2004),"unity" (13 times in 2006, 3 times in 2005, 2 times in 2004),and "faith" (6 times in 2006, 2 times in 2005, and 4 times in 2004). While the king stressed "confidence" and the "future," he focused less on words such as "reform" (6 times in 2006 compared to 9 in 2005 and 19 in 2004) and "patriotism" (1 time in 2006 compared to 6 times in 2005 and none in 2004). -------------- Comment -------------- ¶9. (C) The king's approach in this year's speech was to emphasize not only his role as the leader of the country but also the importance of the community of all Moroccans. He obligated citizens to take responsibility for the realization of his plans and "to create new momentum." Emphasizing Morocco's integration into the AU and its relationships with the EU underscores the king's desire that Morocco play a substantial role internationally. Use of such words as "confidence," "security," and "stability" throughout the speech communicates the management of terrorism-related issues. He presents the Western Sahara autonomy plan as a "fait accompli" and as having international support, although he fails to define the plan. ****************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ****************************************** RILEY