Morocco: European council to evaluate democratic reforms

The progress of democratic reform in Morocco and the evaluation of its cooperation with the European Council will be the central themes of the European Council parliamentary assembly political affairs committee meeting in Rabat on March 13. The presidents of both houses, ministers of interior and justice, and the president of the national human rights council will attend the meeting, which will focus on what Morocco has done so far to conform to the values of the European Council, including guaranteeing free elections, abolishing the death penalty and fostering women's participation in political life. Morocco made these commitments when it decided to adhere to ''partner for democracy'' status in June 2011. Also on the agenda at the meeting, which will be open to the press, is parliament's contribution to resolving the conflict in the Western Sahara, while on the 14 the committee is expected to approve a report by Italian MP Luca Volonte' (Udc) on violence against religious communities. (ANSAmed).