DEMARCHE DELIVERED: CHARITIES AND MENA-FATF

UNCLAS RABAT 000469 SIPDIS C O R R E C T E D COPY (ADDED SIGNATURE) SIPDIS STATE ALSO FOR NEA/MAG E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EFIN KFTN PTER XF MO SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED: CHARITIES AND MENA-FATF PLENARY IN CAIRO REF: STATE 37310 (U) This cable is sensitive but unclassified, please protect accordingly. ¶1. (SBU) Econoff met March 14 with Moroccan Ministry of Finance official Abdelaziz Khaoua discuss terrorism finance-related issues and to deliver reftel demarche concerning the charities discussion at the MENA-FATF plenary in Cairo next week. ¶2. (SBU) Khaoua was receptive to demarche and confirmed his attendance at the event. He explained Morocco does not have many international charities; most of them are local charities that raise money "from Moroccans for Moroccans." Nonetheless, charities in Morocco are closely monitored. New charities are required to register with the Ministry of Interior through local authorities. Charities' financial accounting is reported directly to the office of the Secretary General of Government (SGG). Khaoua told SIPDIS Econoff that he looks forward to exchanging ideas on the subject with his regional colleagues in Egypt. ¶3. (U) GOM has participated in previous regional meetings of MENA-FATF. Post will continue to encourage GOM to actively participate in MENA-FATF activities and initiatives. Bush