Marzouki, Maghreb personality for 2013

Caretaker President Moncef Marzouki was elected, on Friday, as the Maghreb personality for 2013, by the Maghreb Forum of the Moroccan Human Studies and Research Centre (MADA). "This honorary title is a token of recognition to President Marzouki for his struggle to consecrate the Maghreb citizen's rights," a communiqué of the Presidency of the Republic points out. The title was handed over to the Spokesman for the Presidency of the Republic Adnene Mansar during a ceremony organised on Friday in Casablanca. Taking the floor during this ceremony, Moroccan Minister Delegate in charge of Relations with the Parliament and the Civil Society Lahbib Choubani said that President Marzouki had been the "first" to advocate for the Maghreb citizen's fundamental rights and for consecration of the five freedoms, namely, the freedom of movement, residence, labour, investment and vote in municipal elections, according to the Moroccan news agency (MAP). MADA centre, which is based in Casablanca, is an NGO that defends the values of democracy and good governance.