Rabat -April 26, 2013 (MAP)
The Moroccan Sahara issue, relations between Morocco and Mauritania and the problem of pedophilia are the major themes commented by Moroccan editorialists this April 26, 2013. Al Ahdath Al Maghribia which devotes its editorial to the Moroccan Sahara issue writes that whatever the objective of the US proposal to enlarge to human rights monitoring the mandate of the UN Sahara mission (INURSO), withdrawn after Morocco's firm refusal, the issue requires to be earnestly addressed. The editorialist notes that Morocco has barred the way to its enemies by setting up a national body for the protection and promotion of human rights, stressing that it is a convincing answer to all those who want to exploit the human rights issue. Now that the storm is over, the editorial goes on, Moroccan authorities need to improve the action of the National Human rights council and its regional branches to make of them a genuine and professional human rights respect and promotion body, able to promote the human rights culture. The editorialist argues that the "national plan for democracy and human rights" and the "citizenship platform for the promotion of human rights culture", that were presented by the Council to two successive governments need to be reactivated. On relations between Morocco and Mauritania, Attajdid stresses that the visit of the head of government to Nouakchott is part of the active diplomacy strategy meant to face challenges and defend Morocco's territorial integrity. The editorial which says it is too early to draw the balance sheet of this visit considers, however, that the value of conventions signed by the two Maghreban countries during this visit shows the opening of a new path to consolidate bilateral ties. This path will be further explored during the expected visit to Morocco of Mauritanian president. Attajdid editorialist calls for carrying on diplomatic efforts, as other parties might undertake other initiatives to jeopardize Moroccan interests. The latest development in the Sahara issue have showed to the Moroccan diplomats that diplomacy only speaks the language of interests, the editorialist warns, arguing that the Mauritanian prime minister's call to Moroccan businessmen to invest in Mauritania is proof that success goes through economic ties consolidation and increasing investments , rather than through underlining longstanding and brotherly ties. On its part, Aujourd'hui le Maroc deals with pedophilia, stressing that the case of a young girl named Wiam, who was savagely injured and raped this week in Sidi Kacem, is a reminder that pedophilia is a big problem in our society. "Some years ago, Morocco knew a public debate on the problem which is no longer taboo. Victims are starting to speak out and denounce and associations are here to support the victims and their parents", the editorialist writes, stressing that pedophiles still benefit from obsolete legal and judiciary texts. Some rapists are still let free or condemned to short prison sentences while they have ruined the life of a kid and a whole family, the editorialist deplores, calling for more severe punishment of these criminals who go away with their crime.