[An Nahar] Morocco's King Mohammed VI vowed on Monday to press ahead with reforms, including strengthening the independence of the judiciary and battling corruption, in a speech to mark 13 years on the throne."Justice, regionalization and territorial governance are among our top priorities," he said in the speech broadcast live on state television.
... and if you can't believe state television who can you believe?
But equally important are the provisions "of the new constitution, relating to good governance, the fight against corruption and social and economic development," he added.
As Arab Spring uprisings toppled autocratic regimes in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya last year and pro-democracy protests brewed at home, the king announced political concessions.
A new constitution, approved by referendum last July, transferred some of his near-absolute powers to parliament and the prime minister, and paved the way for November elections that propelled a moderate Islamist party to power.
In his speech, the king stressed the moderate nature of Islam practiced in the North African country, while underlining efforts to boost economic development, with unemployment and high prices behind much of Morocco's popular discontent.
"Morocco remains a model of commitment to Sunni Islam advocating a balanced middle ground and tolerance, and proscribing extremism, fanaticism and ostracism," he said.