sienia
20-08-03, 23:37
RABAT, Aug. 20 - H.M. King Mohammed VI made Wednesday a speech, aired on
the Moroccan TV and radio stations, on the occasion of the 50th
anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People.
Here follows the full text of the Royal Speech.
"Praise be to God, Prayer and Peace be upon the Prophet, His Kith and Kin,
My Loyal Subjects,
Fifty years ago, in the historical Throne Room, My Venerated Grandfather,
His Majesty King Mohammed V - hallowed be His Soul- sparked off the
Revolution by defying the tyrannical colonial rule. For the sake of
Morocco's independence, he preferred to sacrifice his Throne and be sent
into exile along with the esteemed Royal Family. The move triggered off a
revolution by a people willing to make every sacrifice for the sake of the
nation's legitimate monarch, the symbol of its sovereignty.
Two years later, the triumphant revolution put an end to the yoke of
tutelage and the mandate of the protectorate, ushering in an era of
freedom and independence. This was a major development which was
immortalized, not merely as an occurrence of historic significance, but as
the outcome of a comprehensive doctrine aimed at restoring the nation's
sovereignty, consolidating the Democratic Constitutional Monarchy, and
eradicating backwardness, ignorance and ostracism.
The glorious revolution paved the way for the will of our nation, combined
with the determination of my Venerated Grandfather and my August Father,
Their Majesties King Mohammed V and King Hassan II, to shape the modern
State whose social and economic foundations we are consolidating today.
This historic and epic experience, initiated by the architects of the
Revolution of August 20, 1953 was a school of true Moroccan nationalism,
dedicated to the protection of the nation's unity, its territorial
integrity and to the cohesiveness of the doctrinal Malekite rite. It
derived strength and support from the symbiotic ties between the people
and the Throne. These bonds which acted as a solid shield against all
conspiracies, were also highly instrumental in helping to meet all
challenges.
The revolution has gone on unabated for half a century, thanks to Moroccan
men and women who, by their daily labours, whether within their families,
at school, at work, or inside associations and NGOs, have each contributed
to the shaping of a unified modern State.
The progress of a nation is not to be gauged through passing, ephemeral
events, but rather on the strength of successive stages in its history,
during which each generation passes its best assets on to the next.
Therefore, the questions which should be asked are : Has each one of us
done everything that had to be done to instill in the minds of the young
people we are celebrating today, the spirit of the Revolution of the
Throne and the People, and the notion of sacrifice for the country, rather
than of the country? Has each one of us asked himself in all honesty and
at all times : "What have I given to my country?" instead of selfishly
moaning and groaning, wondering: How much have I got from my country?"
If the heroes of Resistance are not to be remembered by young people
merely as names assigned to streets in town centres, then all Moroccans
must remain faithful to the spirit of the August 20 Revolution and
dedicated to the values of patriotism. They must teach their children how
to love their country, since our religion enshrines such love as an act of
faith.
However, we will attain this objective only if we translate nationalism
into a sense of citizenship and if we ensure that the quest for nationhood
transcends the mere love for one's country, and develops into a genuine
commitment to help build Morocco and make it a source of pride to all
Moroccans.
The Revolution of the King and the People enabled Moroccans to achieve
independence and build a modern State for themselves. However, preserving
our territorial integrity is a pressing duty which warrants all-out
mobilization, constant vigilance and efficient action, in order to close,
once and for all, the dispute that has been created artificially by those
who adamantly and aggressively challenge the fact that the Sahara is
Moroccan territory. They eventually unmasked themselves as the real
opponent and are eager to impose, through separatist pawns, total
domination over our southern provinces. Instead of contributing sincerely
to building a strong Maghreb Union on sound foundations, this opponent has
gone as far as to raise the question of partition, which is bound to end
in the whole region being balkanized.
Such a hostile attitude has constantly thwarted all attempts to reach an
equitable settlement through negotiation and by consensus, and offered
only insidious solutions instead. In the Sahara, Morocco is in it own
territory. The unanimous support for this sacred cause constitutes a
source of strength to us. We are also proud of the backing we have
received from friendly and sister nations who have realized that ours is a
just cause. In this connection, Morocco, through the First Servant of this
nation, Grandson of the Hero of the Liberation, King Mohammed V, and the
Successor to the Architect of the Green March, King Hassan II, wishes to
reaffirm this : stimulated by the symbiosis between the Throne and the
people, as embodied by this memorable day, we all stand ready to defend
the country's territorial integrity, whatever the sacrifices and
regardless of the plots and conspiracies that need to be foiled.
I must stress again to my loyal subjects that the real battle ahead is not
a mere fight between individuals, groups, parties or associations, and
that differences of opinion over the running of public affairs should not
make us forget that the decisive battle for us consists in defending
tenaciously our territorial integrity, to ward off any threats or dangers
and to foil any plot against it.
On your behalf, my loyal subjects, I say to the opponents of our
territorial integrity, that contrary to their belief, democracy, which we
have chosen as a civilized way to run the nation's affairs, is a great
asset which strengthens the domestic front and consolidates the country's
unity. It is the best avenue to follow if we are to end this artificial
problem once and for all. Morocco remains open to any constructive and
frank dialogue for a settlement within the framework of our territorial
integrity and national sovereignty, over which we will never, I repeat
never, accept any bargaining.
With the same conviction and determination, your First Servant is urging
you, my loyal subjects, to get actively involved in this new Revolution of
the Throne and the People, and to seek guidance from the references and
the ambitious targets set out in the State of the Nation Address. The aim
is basically to build an efficient democratic State with an inherent
ability to protect itself from all kinds of religious anathema or
political exclusion, and to develop a wealth-creating, job-generating
market economy. We also want to shape a society based on mutual support
and to stimulate the process of cultural revival, while taking into
account the requirements of modern times and the need to respect Moroccan
identity.
I thought that on the occasion of this jubilee, the best way to express
commitment to the spirit of the Revolution of the King and the People, and
to keep that spirit alive, for ever, would be to take concrete steps which
reflect and materialize my firm determination to do justice to Moroccan
women. They should be truly honoured and freed from all the injustices
they are enduring; otherwise democracy and human rights would be
meaningless.
Accordingly, I have instructed the Commission in charge of revising the
Mudawana Code to complete its work and submit its conclusions to me next
September.
As Amir Al Muminin (Commander of the Faithful), and as supreme
representative of the nation, I will soon inform you, my loyal subjects,
of my decision in connection with the amended draft for a new Family Code.
Universal civilization is at a turning point where certainties have become
questionable and landmarks and references blurred. At this very moment an
arduous battle is awaiting us. We are to wage it against ourselves in
order to avoid taking the easy way out by eluding difficult questions and
making more and more promises for demagogical purposes.
The true battle ahead calls for concerted efforts to implement difficult
reforms, through an innovative, gradual approach.
We must, therefore, remain committed to the immutable values of the nation
that are a source from which the Moroccan identity derives its strength
and specificity. Our duty is also to enhance the productive, free
enterprise spirit and, at the same time, to confront, firmly and
conscientiously, those who use discord, duplicity and ostracism to deprive
the nation of its future and thwart its advancement.
Thanks to the progress achieved by our country in terms of democracy, we
have managed to complete the process designed to improve the image of
Morocco abroad. Today we must seek, with the same determination, to
improve the way Morocco perceives itself. It will, therefore, be necessary
to instill in the people a sense of citizenship and make sure that they
are proud of their nation's achievements, prepared to help remedy the
flaws and shortcomings they may encounter, through concrete projects and
reforms, instead of obstinately spreading scepticism and nihilism.
In addition to curricula providing education on human rights and duties, I
have instructed the Government, mainly the ministers of education, to
ensure that our children and young people are provided with courses in
which special emphasis is put on civics and an ethical values similar to
those inculcated in my generation, especially with respect to commitment
to the nation's sacred institutions and dedication to the protection of
its reputation.
The twenty-seven months spent in exile by my Venerated Grandfather and the
members of the esteemed Royal Family, showed the symbiosis between the
Throne and the People at its best, and were the clearest illustration of
sacrifice made for the liberation of Morocco and the preservation of its
sovereignty and unity. Let us see to it that the time left before the
commemoration of the 50th anniversary of independence, is devoted to
initiating vigourous, sustainable actions with a view to mobilizing young
people, for what is at stake is the defense of our territorial integrity
and our democratic achievements. We want to make up for lost time in the
implementation of certain development projects, and to enhance Morocco's
standing in its regional and international environment.
We have a duty to ensure that the golden jubilee of our independence is a
special historical event. This is the appropriate time to pause and assess
the steps taken and the stages reached by our country in the field of
human development, over the last half century. We should identify our
successes as well as our setbacks and our ambitions, and draw lessons from
the choices we have made during this historic period which has been marked
by major developments. We want to consolidate, clearly and confidently,
our options and orientations for the future. Meanwhile, we must point out,
objectively and in all fairness, that outstanding efforts have been made
to put Morocco on the right track and help it build its modern State.
This is the best way to express our loyalty to the memory of the
forefathers of the nation's independence.
It is the strongest incentive for everybody to carry on with the shaping
of a strong State for Morocco. This challenge will not shake the
determination of our young people who are motivated by a long-standing
spirit of nationalism and a strong commitment to the values of democratic
citizenship.
Wassalamu Alaïkum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh."
© MAP 2003
the Moroccan TV and radio stations, on the occasion of the 50th
anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People.
Here follows the full text of the Royal Speech.
"Praise be to God, Prayer and Peace be upon the Prophet, His Kith and Kin,
My Loyal Subjects,
Fifty years ago, in the historical Throne Room, My Venerated Grandfather,
His Majesty King Mohammed V - hallowed be His Soul- sparked off the
Revolution by defying the tyrannical colonial rule. For the sake of
Morocco's independence, he preferred to sacrifice his Throne and be sent
into exile along with the esteemed Royal Family. The move triggered off a
revolution by a people willing to make every sacrifice for the sake of the
nation's legitimate monarch, the symbol of its sovereignty.
Two years later, the triumphant revolution put an end to the yoke of
tutelage and the mandate of the protectorate, ushering in an era of
freedom and independence. This was a major development which was
immortalized, not merely as an occurrence of historic significance, but as
the outcome of a comprehensive doctrine aimed at restoring the nation's
sovereignty, consolidating the Democratic Constitutional Monarchy, and
eradicating backwardness, ignorance and ostracism.
The glorious revolution paved the way for the will of our nation, combined
with the determination of my Venerated Grandfather and my August Father,
Their Majesties King Mohammed V and King Hassan II, to shape the modern
State whose social and economic foundations we are consolidating today.
This historic and epic experience, initiated by the architects of the
Revolution of August 20, 1953 was a school of true Moroccan nationalism,
dedicated to the protection of the nation's unity, its territorial
integrity and to the cohesiveness of the doctrinal Malekite rite. It
derived strength and support from the symbiotic ties between the people
and the Throne. These bonds which acted as a solid shield against all
conspiracies, were also highly instrumental in helping to meet all
challenges.
The revolution has gone on unabated for half a century, thanks to Moroccan
men and women who, by their daily labours, whether within their families,
at school, at work, or inside associations and NGOs, have each contributed
to the shaping of a unified modern State.
The progress of a nation is not to be gauged through passing, ephemeral
events, but rather on the strength of successive stages in its history,
during which each generation passes its best assets on to the next.
Therefore, the questions which should be asked are : Has each one of us
done everything that had to be done to instill in the minds of the young
people we are celebrating today, the spirit of the Revolution of the
Throne and the People, and the notion of sacrifice for the country, rather
than of the country? Has each one of us asked himself in all honesty and
at all times : "What have I given to my country?" instead of selfishly
moaning and groaning, wondering: How much have I got from my country?"
If the heroes of Resistance are not to be remembered by young people
merely as names assigned to streets in town centres, then all Moroccans
must remain faithful to the spirit of the August 20 Revolution and
dedicated to the values of patriotism. They must teach their children how
to love their country, since our religion enshrines such love as an act of
faith.
However, we will attain this objective only if we translate nationalism
into a sense of citizenship and if we ensure that the quest for nationhood
transcends the mere love for one's country, and develops into a genuine
commitment to help build Morocco and make it a source of pride to all
Moroccans.
The Revolution of the King and the People enabled Moroccans to achieve
independence and build a modern State for themselves. However, preserving
our territorial integrity is a pressing duty which warrants all-out
mobilization, constant vigilance and efficient action, in order to close,
once and for all, the dispute that has been created artificially by those
who adamantly and aggressively challenge the fact that the Sahara is
Moroccan territory. They eventually unmasked themselves as the real
opponent and are eager to impose, through separatist pawns, total
domination over our southern provinces. Instead of contributing sincerely
to building a strong Maghreb Union on sound foundations, this opponent has
gone as far as to raise the question of partition, which is bound to end
in the whole region being balkanized.
Such a hostile attitude has constantly thwarted all attempts to reach an
equitable settlement through negotiation and by consensus, and offered
only insidious solutions instead. In the Sahara, Morocco is in it own
territory. The unanimous support for this sacred cause constitutes a
source of strength to us. We are also proud of the backing we have
received from friendly and sister nations who have realized that ours is a
just cause. In this connection, Morocco, through the First Servant of this
nation, Grandson of the Hero of the Liberation, King Mohammed V, and the
Successor to the Architect of the Green March, King Hassan II, wishes to
reaffirm this : stimulated by the symbiosis between the Throne and the
people, as embodied by this memorable day, we all stand ready to defend
the country's territorial integrity, whatever the sacrifices and
regardless of the plots and conspiracies that need to be foiled.
I must stress again to my loyal subjects that the real battle ahead is not
a mere fight between individuals, groups, parties or associations, and
that differences of opinion over the running of public affairs should not
make us forget that the decisive battle for us consists in defending
tenaciously our territorial integrity, to ward off any threats or dangers
and to foil any plot against it.
On your behalf, my loyal subjects, I say to the opponents of our
territorial integrity, that contrary to their belief, democracy, which we
have chosen as a civilized way to run the nation's affairs, is a great
asset which strengthens the domestic front and consolidates the country's
unity. It is the best avenue to follow if we are to end this artificial
problem once and for all. Morocco remains open to any constructive and
frank dialogue for a settlement within the framework of our territorial
integrity and national sovereignty, over which we will never, I repeat
never, accept any bargaining.
With the same conviction and determination, your First Servant is urging
you, my loyal subjects, to get actively involved in this new Revolution of
the Throne and the People, and to seek guidance from the references and
the ambitious targets set out in the State of the Nation Address. The aim
is basically to build an efficient democratic State with an inherent
ability to protect itself from all kinds of religious anathema or
political exclusion, and to develop a wealth-creating, job-generating
market economy. We also want to shape a society based on mutual support
and to stimulate the process of cultural revival, while taking into
account the requirements of modern times and the need to respect Moroccan
identity.
I thought that on the occasion of this jubilee, the best way to express
commitment to the spirit of the Revolution of the King and the People, and
to keep that spirit alive, for ever, would be to take concrete steps which
reflect and materialize my firm determination to do justice to Moroccan
women. They should be truly honoured and freed from all the injustices
they are enduring; otherwise democracy and human rights would be
meaningless.
Accordingly, I have instructed the Commission in charge of revising the
Mudawana Code to complete its work and submit its conclusions to me next
September.
As Amir Al Muminin (Commander of the Faithful), and as supreme
representative of the nation, I will soon inform you, my loyal subjects,
of my decision in connection with the amended draft for a new Family Code.
Universal civilization is at a turning point where certainties have become
questionable and landmarks and references blurred. At this very moment an
arduous battle is awaiting us. We are to wage it against ourselves in
order to avoid taking the easy way out by eluding difficult questions and
making more and more promises for demagogical purposes.
The true battle ahead calls for concerted efforts to implement difficult
reforms, through an innovative, gradual approach.
We must, therefore, remain committed to the immutable values of the nation
that are a source from which the Moroccan identity derives its strength
and specificity. Our duty is also to enhance the productive, free
enterprise spirit and, at the same time, to confront, firmly and
conscientiously, those who use discord, duplicity and ostracism to deprive
the nation of its future and thwart its advancement.
Thanks to the progress achieved by our country in terms of democracy, we
have managed to complete the process designed to improve the image of
Morocco abroad. Today we must seek, with the same determination, to
improve the way Morocco perceives itself. It will, therefore, be necessary
to instill in the people a sense of citizenship and make sure that they
are proud of their nation's achievements, prepared to help remedy the
flaws and shortcomings they may encounter, through concrete projects and
reforms, instead of obstinately spreading scepticism and nihilism.
In addition to curricula providing education on human rights and duties, I
have instructed the Government, mainly the ministers of education, to
ensure that our children and young people are provided with courses in
which special emphasis is put on civics and an ethical values similar to
those inculcated in my generation, especially with respect to commitment
to the nation's sacred institutions and dedication to the protection of
its reputation.
The twenty-seven months spent in exile by my Venerated Grandfather and the
members of the esteemed Royal Family, showed the symbiosis between the
Throne and the People at its best, and were the clearest illustration of
sacrifice made for the liberation of Morocco and the preservation of its
sovereignty and unity. Let us see to it that the time left before the
commemoration of the 50th anniversary of independence, is devoted to
initiating vigourous, sustainable actions with a view to mobilizing young
people, for what is at stake is the defense of our territorial integrity
and our democratic achievements. We want to make up for lost time in the
implementation of certain development projects, and to enhance Morocco's
standing in its regional and international environment.
We have a duty to ensure that the golden jubilee of our independence is a
special historical event. This is the appropriate time to pause and assess
the steps taken and the stages reached by our country in the field of
human development, over the last half century. We should identify our
successes as well as our setbacks and our ambitions, and draw lessons from
the choices we have made during this historic period which has been marked
by major developments. We want to consolidate, clearly and confidently,
our options and orientations for the future. Meanwhile, we must point out,
objectively and in all fairness, that outstanding efforts have been made
to put Morocco on the right track and help it build its modern State.
This is the best way to express our loyalty to the memory of the
forefathers of the nation's independence.
It is the strongest incentive for everybody to carry on with the shaping
of a strong State for Morocco. This challenge will not shake the
determination of our young people who are motivated by a long-standing
spirit of nationalism and a strong commitment to the values of democratic
citizenship.
Wassalamu Alaïkum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh."
© MAP 2003