Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08RABAT617
2008-07-03 12:49:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Rabat
Cable title:  

AMBASSADOR AND KING MOHAMMED VI DISCUSS MILLENNIUM

Tags:  EAID KMCA MO 
pdf how-to read a cable
O 031249Z JUL 08
FM AMEMBASSY RABAT
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8806
MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 000617 


E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/02/2018
TAGS: EAID KMCA MO
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR AND KING MOHAMMED VI DISCUSS MILLENNIUM
CHALLENGE ACCOUNT

Classified By: AMBASSADOR THOMAS T. RILEY FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D).

C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 000617


E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/02/2018
TAGS: EAID KMCA MO
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR AND KING MOHAMMED VI DISCUSS MILLENNIUM
CHALLENGE ACCOUNT

Classified By: AMBASSADOR THOMAS T. RILEY FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D).


1. (C) During the Ambassador's June 30 meeting with King
Mohammed VI, they briefly went over the Millennium Challenge
Account (MCA) program. The Ambassador expressed his pride in
its focus on creating sustainable jobs for the poorest
sectors of the economy, much like the King,s own National
Initiative for Human Development (INDH). The Ambassador
stressed, however, that unlike World Bank or other donor
programs, even those from USAID, MCA was not a gift and was
not guaranteed; that it was an agreement with obligations on
both sides. The King nodded in agreement, even adding words
like &obligations,8 showing he clearly understood and
agreed. He volunteered that he knew the final selection of
the Moroccan head of the "Agence de Partenariat pour le
Progres" (APP) was scheduled for that afternoon with the
Prime Minister.


2. (C) The Ambassador acknowledged our interest in selecting
an agency head, but he said he was concerned about a much
bigger issue. The MCA is a program with a five-year clock,
and many more things will have to be done in a timely fashion
and conditions will have to be maintained for the program to
be a success and be completed. The Ambassador noted that
Ambassador Danilovich, whom he had met at the Compact
signing, was a personal friend and had been calling often
because he was very worried. With the current Administration
coming to an end, future responsible parties and even
Congress may not be so patient. It is a great program, and
he wanted to ensure that Morocco got the full benefits,
reinforced the Ambassador, underscoring that he, Ambassador
Danilovich, and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries
Akhannouch had seen many of the fishermen, farmers, and other
beneficiaries in remote villages and coastal towns who will
see their lives change. The King assured the Ambassador that
he would stress the importance of staying on top of the MCA
in his meeting with the key officials immediately after the
meeting.


3. (C) Comment: On July 2, we were officially informed that
the King had selected Morad Abid as the APP's first Director
General. End Comment.


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Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website;
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat
*****************************************

Riley