Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07RABAT1223
2007-07-27 16:23:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Rabat
Cable title:
PM CLAIMS AND RECEIVES CREDIT FOR SUCCESSFUL TERM
how-toVZCZCXRO4555 PP RUEHROV DE RUEHRB #1223/01 2081623 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 271623Z JUL 07 FM AMEMBASSY RABAT TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7051 INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHCL/AMCONSUL CASABLANCA PRIORITY 3260
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 RABAT 001223
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/MAG
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/27/2017
TAGS: PGOV PBTS PHUM ECON MO
SUBJECT: PM CLAIMS AND RECEIVES CREDIT FOR SUCCESSFUL TERM
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 RABAT 001223
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/MAG
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/27/2017
TAGS: PGOV PBTS PHUM ECON MO
SUBJECT: PM CLAIMS AND RECEIVES CREDIT FOR SUCCESSFUL TERM
1. (SBU) Summary: In the customary end-of-term address,
Prime Minister Driss Jettou gave parliament an upbeat
assessment of his accomplishments since 2002. He focused on
political, economic, and social reform, as well as stability
and treatment of Berbers. Jettou also touched on ways in
which a "culture of human rights" is taking root, backed by
vigorous monitoring institutions and robust laws. He
conceded that much work remains to be done in key areas
including education, health and combating corruption. While
press coverage has been largely favorable, opposition parties
criticized Jettou, challenging his statistics. Despite some
areas of weakness, acknowledged and unacknowledged, Jettou
can take justifiable pride in his government's
accomplishments over the past 5 years. End Summary.
--------------
Positive Government Scorecard
--------------
2. (SBU) In a departure from the tradition of formulaic and
general end-of-mandate addresses, Prime Minister Driss Jettou
on July 17 delivered to parliament a lengthy (clocked at 100
minutes),results-based, and detailed discourse outlining the
achievements of his coalition government since it took office
in 2002.
3. (SBU) Jettou focused the bulk of the remarks on his
government's economic accomplishments, arguing that it had
met and in many cases exceeded its commitments. He noted
efforts to improve Morocco's infrastructure and boost
investment in strategic sectors. Jettou argued that Morocco
has become the most attractive country for investment in the
region, with a four-fold increase during his tenure. He also
reviewed a range of positive economic indicators relating to
tourism, social housing, construction, and professional
training.
4. (SBU) Jettou highlighted recent political and social
reforms undertaken by his government, pointing to the
creation of the HACA, the work of the Equity and
Reconciliation Committee (IER),legal reforms addressing
torture and prisoners, the passage of the updated family
code, the establishment of a political party law, and the new
nationality code. He also paid special tribute to the work
of Morocco's security services in securing the country's
safety. He singled out progress in treatment of the Amazigh
(Berbers) during his tenure as an example of official
policies that respect Morocco's multi-cultural and
multi-ethnic composition. Statements of homage to Royal
initiatives and the king's strategic vision were prominent in
Jettou's remarks.
--------------
But Still Progress To Be Made
--------------
5. (SBU) While praising past efforts, Jettou was pragmatic
about his government's shortcomings, noting the lethargic
pace of activity on many key social issues. Jettou
emphasized the need to increase action in the education,
agriculture, health, and justice fields. He focused on the
need for pension reform, noting that the 11 billion Dirham
($1.35 billion) pension fund deficit must be covered, and
that an effective safety net for retirees must be created.
He also underscored the importance of the government's battle
against corruption, conceding that the low level variety
remains widespread and has been difficult to combat.
6. (SBU) Jettou recognized that increased development places
added pressure on resources and the environment. While
touting his government's work in those areas, he called for
further strategic policies to promote effective stewardship
and resource availability in the future. He said the
resolution of issues around energy and water is fundamental
to the realization of long-term stability and growth. He
called for greater economic cooperation with Spain and the EU
in this regard.
--------------
Western Sahara: End To An Artificial Conflict?
--------------
7. (SBU) On the Western Sahara, dubbed by Jettou as "the
priority of priorities," he commended the (Royal) Moroccan
Initiative. Jettou confirmed Morocco's will to find a "final
solution to this artificial conflict." Jettou also used the
occasion to recognize members of the security apparatus for
their hard work and sacrifices in the "defense of Morocco's
territorial integrity."
RABAT 00001223 002 OF 003
--------------
Many Embrace the Speech, Others More Critical
--------------
8. (SBU) Jettou's valediction was generally well received.
Predictably, political parties in the majority welcomed the
remarks. Businessmen applauded the government's successes,
but recognized the need for the next legislature to
accelerate the pace of reform to take full advantage of
Morocco's economic potential. A respected business newspaper
said, "the record of work accomplished by five parties with
opposing political tendencies, under the direction of a
non-partisan Prime Minister, must be applauded." Yet, one
union representative groused to the press that Jettou
cherry-picked statistics that show his government in a
favorable light.
9. (SBU) Some observers found the government's lack of
concrete steps to improve agricultural conditions
particularly egregious, given this year's poor harvest and
drought. Milouda Hazeb, Deputy Secretary General of the
(opposition) National Democratic Party (PND),expressed
concern in the press that a large number of MPs did not
attend the special session with the Prime Minister, instead
choosing to attend local government meetings. Additionally,
some MPs in attendance were seen yawning and reading
newspapers in the parliamentary chamber, according to local
press accounts.
--------------
Parliament Weighs In
--------------
10. (SBU) Opposition groups, particularly the PJD, were
critical of the overall rosy picture Jettou painted of his
tenure. Lahcen Daoudi, an economist and PJD parliamentarian,
scoffed publicly that the speech contained "promises but no
solutions" and pledged that the PJD will deliver a "real"
assessment to Parliament. He pointed to the GOM's inability
to reduce the trade deficit by 50% and said that the increase
in unemployment rates for college graduates was a significant
sign of the government's failures. Members of other
opposition parties also focused on economic issues in
comments to the media. Abderrahmane El Mtioui, head of the
Democratic Constitutional Group, said the high cost of basic
goods decreased citizens' buying power, which led to other
social problems.
--------------
Comment
--------------
11. (C) While partisan bickering over the Prime Minister's
presentation was an inevitable, and indeed salutary, part of
the free and open democratic political debate surrounding the
event, the overall verdict on Jettou's tenure is positive.
Much has been accomplished over the last five years to
strengthen Morocco's economy and advance the country's
nascent political reforms. Torture is now illegal.
Dismissals related to corruption and other forms of
malfeasance show that systems of accountability are beginning
to grow teeth. Key Ministers such as Interior and Finance
have clearly stated their intolerance of governmental
corruption. Foreign investment at the upper levels of the
economy is growing.
12. (C) At the same time, as Jettou conceded, much remains
to be done. Low level corruption and bribery remain a
significant obstacle to small business development and
low-to-mid level foreign investment. Reports of human rights
abuses continue to emerge from Western Sahara. The
synergistic threats of unemployment (or under-employment) and
violent Islamic extremism have the potential to undermine or
slow forward momentum.
13. (C) Within this context, continued USG support for
Morocco remains important as the country transitions to a new
government and continues its political, social and economic
evolution. US policies that enable Morocco to build on
Jettou's work through governmental and private sector
channels will help solidify gains and enhance its ability to
serve as a democratic regional ally and partner. End
Comment.
*****************************************
Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website;
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat
*****************************************
RABAT 00001223 003 OF 003
RILEY
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/MAG
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/27/2017
TAGS: PGOV PBTS PHUM ECON MO
SUBJECT: PM CLAIMS AND RECEIVES CREDIT FOR SUCCESSFUL TERM
1. (SBU) Summary: In the customary end-of-term address,
Prime Minister Driss Jettou gave parliament an upbeat
assessment of his accomplishments since 2002. He focused on
political, economic, and social reform, as well as stability
and treatment of Berbers. Jettou also touched on ways in
which a "culture of human rights" is taking root, backed by
vigorous monitoring institutions and robust laws. He
conceded that much work remains to be done in key areas
including education, health and combating corruption. While
press coverage has been largely favorable, opposition parties
criticized Jettou, challenging his statistics. Despite some
areas of weakness, acknowledged and unacknowledged, Jettou
can take justifiable pride in his government's
accomplishments over the past 5 years. End Summary.
--------------
Positive Government Scorecard
--------------
2. (SBU) In a departure from the tradition of formulaic and
general end-of-mandate addresses, Prime Minister Driss Jettou
on July 17 delivered to parliament a lengthy (clocked at 100
minutes),results-based, and detailed discourse outlining the
achievements of his coalition government since it took office
in 2002.
3. (SBU) Jettou focused the bulk of the remarks on his
government's economic accomplishments, arguing that it had
met and in many cases exceeded its commitments. He noted
efforts to improve Morocco's infrastructure and boost
investment in strategic sectors. Jettou argued that Morocco
has become the most attractive country for investment in the
region, with a four-fold increase during his tenure. He also
reviewed a range of positive economic indicators relating to
tourism, social housing, construction, and professional
training.
4. (SBU) Jettou highlighted recent political and social
reforms undertaken by his government, pointing to the
creation of the HACA, the work of the Equity and
Reconciliation Committee (IER),legal reforms addressing
torture and prisoners, the passage of the updated family
code, the establishment of a political party law, and the new
nationality code. He also paid special tribute to the work
of Morocco's security services in securing the country's
safety. He singled out progress in treatment of the Amazigh
(Berbers) during his tenure as an example of official
policies that respect Morocco's multi-cultural and
multi-ethnic composition. Statements of homage to Royal
initiatives and the king's strategic vision were prominent in
Jettou's remarks.
--------------
But Still Progress To Be Made
--------------
5. (SBU) While praising past efforts, Jettou was pragmatic
about his government's shortcomings, noting the lethargic
pace of activity on many key social issues. Jettou
emphasized the need to increase action in the education,
agriculture, health, and justice fields. He focused on the
need for pension reform, noting that the 11 billion Dirham
($1.35 billion) pension fund deficit must be covered, and
that an effective safety net for retirees must be created.
He also underscored the importance of the government's battle
against corruption, conceding that the low level variety
remains widespread and has been difficult to combat.
6. (SBU) Jettou recognized that increased development places
added pressure on resources and the environment. While
touting his government's work in those areas, he called for
further strategic policies to promote effective stewardship
and resource availability in the future. He said the
resolution of issues around energy and water is fundamental
to the realization of long-term stability and growth. He
called for greater economic cooperation with Spain and the EU
in this regard.
--------------
Western Sahara: End To An Artificial Conflict?
--------------
7. (SBU) On the Western Sahara, dubbed by Jettou as "the
priority of priorities," he commended the (Royal) Moroccan
Initiative. Jettou confirmed Morocco's will to find a "final
solution to this artificial conflict." Jettou also used the
occasion to recognize members of the security apparatus for
their hard work and sacrifices in the "defense of Morocco's
territorial integrity."
RABAT 00001223 002 OF 003
--------------
Many Embrace the Speech, Others More Critical
--------------
8. (SBU) Jettou's valediction was generally well received.
Predictably, political parties in the majority welcomed the
remarks. Businessmen applauded the government's successes,
but recognized the need for the next legislature to
accelerate the pace of reform to take full advantage of
Morocco's economic potential. A respected business newspaper
said, "the record of work accomplished by five parties with
opposing political tendencies, under the direction of a
non-partisan Prime Minister, must be applauded." Yet, one
union representative groused to the press that Jettou
cherry-picked statistics that show his government in a
favorable light.
9. (SBU) Some observers found the government's lack of
concrete steps to improve agricultural conditions
particularly egregious, given this year's poor harvest and
drought. Milouda Hazeb, Deputy Secretary General of the
(opposition) National Democratic Party (PND),expressed
concern in the press that a large number of MPs did not
attend the special session with the Prime Minister, instead
choosing to attend local government meetings. Additionally,
some MPs in attendance were seen yawning and reading
newspapers in the parliamentary chamber, according to local
press accounts.
--------------
Parliament Weighs In
--------------
10. (SBU) Opposition groups, particularly the PJD, were
critical of the overall rosy picture Jettou painted of his
tenure. Lahcen Daoudi, an economist and PJD parliamentarian,
scoffed publicly that the speech contained "promises but no
solutions" and pledged that the PJD will deliver a "real"
assessment to Parliament. He pointed to the GOM's inability
to reduce the trade deficit by 50% and said that the increase
in unemployment rates for college graduates was a significant
sign of the government's failures. Members of other
opposition parties also focused on economic issues in
comments to the media. Abderrahmane El Mtioui, head of the
Democratic Constitutional Group, said the high cost of basic
goods decreased citizens' buying power, which led to other
social problems.
--------------
Comment
--------------
11. (C) While partisan bickering over the Prime Minister's
presentation was an inevitable, and indeed salutary, part of
the free and open democratic political debate surrounding the
event, the overall verdict on Jettou's tenure is positive.
Much has been accomplished over the last five years to
strengthen Morocco's economy and advance the country's
nascent political reforms. Torture is now illegal.
Dismissals related to corruption and other forms of
malfeasance show that systems of accountability are beginning
to grow teeth. Key Ministers such as Interior and Finance
have clearly stated their intolerance of governmental
corruption. Foreign investment at the upper levels of the
economy is growing.
12. (C) At the same time, as Jettou conceded, much remains
to be done. Low level corruption and bribery remain a
significant obstacle to small business development and
low-to-mid level foreign investment. Reports of human rights
abuses continue to emerge from Western Sahara. The
synergistic threats of unemployment (or under-employment) and
violent Islamic extremism have the potential to undermine or
slow forward momentum.
13. (C) Within this context, continued USG support for
Morocco remains important as the country transitions to a new
government and continues its political, social and economic
evolution. US policies that enable Morocco to build on
Jettou's work through governmental and private sector
channels will help solidify gains and enhance its ability to
serve as a democratic regional ally and partner. End
Comment.
*****************************************
Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website;
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat
*****************************************
RABAT 00001223 003 OF 003
RILEY