Morocco News | Morocco Daily News | Middle East News - Yahoo! Maktoob News

Ruby was a prostitute, had sex with Berlusconi, court told

Tue, 14 May 2013 01:46:23 +0300

Milan, May 14 (IANS/AKI) There is "no doubt" that former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi paid for sex with a Moroccan teenager nicknamed "Ruby the Heart Stealer", who was working as a prostitute, the prosecution told a Milan court.

Ermenegildo Zegna expands into African market

Wed, 08 May 2013 17:06:14 +0300

New Delhi, May 8 (IANS) Italian luxury brand Ermenegildo Zegna is all set to expand themselves in the African market with their store in Lagos, Nigeria. They currently retails from Egypt and Morocco.

IIROSA meet on Thursday

Tue, 07 May 2013 03:00:00 +0300

The General Assembly of the International Islamic Relief Organization-Saudi Arabia (IIROSA) will hold its eighth meeting under the chairmanship of Abdullah A. Al-Turki on Thursday. The meeting, to be held at Crowne Plaza Hotel, will be attended by 140 members from the Kingdom and abroad.Acting IIROSA Secretary-General Ehsan bin Saleh Taieb said: “Scholars, ministers and leading dignitaries from Morocco, Jordan, Yemen, Uganda, Sudan, Nigeria and India will be attending the meeting.”The meeting will discuss issues related to charitable and relief distribution work throughout the world. ...

Pro-independence rallies held in W Sahara

Mon, 06 May 2013 23:19:42 +0300

Sahrawi activists march in disputed Moroccan territory's main city in region's biggest demonstration in decades.

UAE, Morocco discuss bilateral relations

Thu, 02 May 2013 02:14:12 +0300

Abu Dhabi, May 2 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Morocco have held talks over a number of issues of mutual interest and ways to boost existing relations between them.

Western Sahara protesters clash with police over UN resolution

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 23:52:04 +0300

RABAT, April 29 (Reuters) - Western Saharan demonstratorsclashed with Moroccan police on Monday after the U.N. SecurityCouncil renewed a peacekeeping resolution that they said did notadequately address human rights abuses. Dozens of protesters and police have been injured since theprotests started in Laayoune, the biggest city of theMoroccan-controlled territory, on Friday, a day after the U.Nresolution was passed extending a peacekeepingmission for one year, human rights groups and local media said. ...

Philippines highlights its travel destinations

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 03:05:00 +0300

The Philippine Embassy is participating in the 5th Riyadh Travel Fair 2013, which opened last Tuesday and ends today, at the Four Seasons Hotel at the Kingdom Center.“This is the Philippines’ first-ever participation in the Riyadh Travel Fair and we are delighted to tap the huge Saudi tourism market by showcasing the Philippines' travel destinations,” said Consul General Marshall Louis Alferez.Other participating countries are Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Singapore, Morocco, Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Poland, Austria and Switzerland. ...

UN Extends Peacekeeping Force in Western Sahara

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:47:28 +0300

United Nations—The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Thursday to keep a U.N. peacekeeping force in Western Sahara for another year, but without a mandate to monitor human rights in the disputed territory that the United States had sought.The US abandoned the monitoring proposal after strong opposition from Morocco, and its close ally, France, a veto-wielding council member. ...

South Africa among 'cheap' leisure destinations for Indians: Survey

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:16:15 +0300

Kolkata, April 25 (IANS) South Africa has emerged as the new popular destination for Indian leisure travellers on a budget, followed by Egypt and Morocco, according to a survey by an international travel site.

Spain: 2 Suspected Al-Qaeda Branch Members Held

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:44:01 +0300

Madrid—Police have arrested two suspected members of Al-Qaeda’s North African branch in Spain, one of whom Spanish authorities alleged praised the Boston Marathon bombings, but neither of whom was known to possess any explosives nor be planning any attack.Interior Minister Jorge Fernández Diaz asserted to reporters Tuesday that there were “sufficient grounds” to warrant the arrests, adding that they were made to avoid “greater risks.” Despite their alleged links to the terror network, Fernández Diaz described the two suspects—an Algerian and a Moroccan—as essentially acting as “lone wolves. ...

Compromise seen on W.Sahara allowing UN mission extension

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:51:11 +0300

* Diplomats say U.S. rights observer demands dropped * Could pave way for longer U.N. Western Sahara mandate * Polisario warns of risk of conflict following vote (Adds U.N. diplomat, Moroccan official) By John Irish and Michelle Nichols PARIS, April 23 (Reuters) - The United States has droppeddemands for human rights observers in Western Sahara, diplomatssaid on Tuesday, paving the way for a compromise that wouldallow the U.N. mission in the disputed territory to be extendedfor another year. ...

Juicy kebabs from Morocco on your platter

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 14:46:29 +0300

New Delhi, April 21 (IANS) Are you a kebab freak and do you love exploring kebabs from different regions? Then Zerzura is the place for you, offering authentic juicy kebabs from the Middle-East and Morocco on your plate.

Moroccan adoption law change leaves foreigners in limbo

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 14:22:35 +0300

For more than a year Yassamane and Eric have been waiting to adopt a child in Morocco. But a decision to tighten the adoption law has thrown the whole process into doubt, leaving dozens of hopeful foreign couples in limbo.

France says to negotiate U.N. text on Western Sahara

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:29:50 +0300

* U.S. circulates resolution to allow human rights observers * Diplomats indicate Paris may not block U.N. resolution * France traditionally backs former colony Morocco By John Irish PARIS, April 19 (Reuters) - France signalled on Friday itwould push to modify a U.S. proposal to the United Nations toallow U.N. peacekeepers to monitor human rights in the disputedWestern Sahara before deciding which way it would vote. The dispute, dating back to 1975, pits Morocco, which saysthe Western Sahara is its territory, against the Algeria-backedPolisario Front, which says it is an independent state. ...

France won't block U.S. proposal on Western Sahara- envoys

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 20:29:39 +0300

* UN chief recommends ongoing human rights monitoring * Security Council to extend U.N. mission mandate soon * France says negotiations on draft still ongoing * Morocco cancels joint military exercise with U.S. (Adds French Foreign Ministry, French U.N. envoy) By Louis Charbonneau UNITED NATIONS, April 18 (Reuters) - France, Morocco'straditional protector on the U.N. Security Council, is unlikelyto use its veto to block a U.S. proposal to have U.N.peacekeepers monitor human rights in the disputed territory ofWestern Sahara, envoys said. The U.S. proposal was contained in a draft U.N. ...

Morocco says no to UN mission's expansion in Sahara

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:20:33 +0300

Rabat, April 17 (IANS) Morocco has turned down a proposal to expand the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), Foreign Minister Saad Dine El Otmani said.

Tunisia beat Gabon, in U-17 AFCON qualifying semis

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:57:55 +0300

Tunis, April 17 (IANS) Tunisia's U-17 team defeated Gabon 4-2 in Round 2 of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying tournament in Morocco.

Morocco beats Botswana 3-0 in U-17 tourney

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:18:01 +0300

Casablanca, April 17 (IANS) Morocco beat Botswana 3-0 in their second Group A match here at the ongoing CAF Under-17 Championship.

Nigeria beat Ghana 6-1, Cote d'Ivoire draw Congo

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:36:11 +0300

Marrakesh (Morocco), April 15 (IANS) Nigeria defeated Ghana 6-1 here in their opening group B match at the ongoing 10th Confederation of African Football (CAF) Under-17 championship.

Tommy Robredo wins Grand Prix Hassan II

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:58:23 +0300

Casablanca (Morocco), April 15 (IANS) Tommy Robredo of Spain beat Kevin Anderson of South Africa 7-6 (8-6), 4-6 and 6-3 to win the Grand Prix Hassan II tennis tournament here.

Indian bookstore in Morocco promotes Indian literature

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 12:53:32 +0300

Madhusree Chatterjee

UAE, Morocco hold talks

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 01:52:11 +0300

Abu Dhabi, April 11 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Morocco have held discussions over bilateral relations and explored ways to strengthen it.

Israel accused of 'arrogance' over Morocco MPs

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 20:54:19 +0300

Morocco's parliament speaker accused Israel on Tuesday of arrogance for having barred two Moroccan MPs in an EU-led parliamentary team from entering the West Bank to meet Palestinian officials.

Moroccan MPs 'barred from entering West Bank'

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:58:31 +0300

Israeli authorities on Monday barred two Moroccan MPs accompanying EU parliamentarians from crossing into the West Bank to meet Palestinian officials, one of the lawmakers said.

Hollande hails Morocco progress as pressure builds in France

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:09:02 +0300

French President Francois Hollande hailed the "decisive steps" taken by Morocco towards democracy, in a speech to parliament on Thursday, during a visit to the kingdom overshadowed by a tax fraud scandal at home.

Karthikeyan extends deal for Auto GP round two

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:02:11 +0300

New Delhi, April 4 (IANS) India's top racing driver Narain Karthikeyan has extended his deal with Zele Racing for the second round of Auto GP in Marrakesh, Morocco this weekend.

Being a poor woman in Morocco: The intersectionality of oppression

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:20:38 +0300

Moroccan women, especially in poor neighbourhoods, are entrenched in an oppressive system with no recourse.

Morocco Beefs Up Border Security

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:28:00 +0300

Casablanca, Asharq Al-Awsat—Morocco has increased the security level on its borders with Algeria and Mali in anticipation of jihadists’ fleeing northern Mali, as a result of French and African military intervention there.In recent weeks, Algerian authorities have arrested a number of individuals suspected of helping fighters escape Mali and enter Algerian territories illegally.An informed source told Asharq Al-Awsat that Moroccan security agencies investigated a group of individuals affiliated with the Salafi jihadist movement. ...

Hayatou to be re-elected CAF head again

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 11:36:23 +0300

Johannesburg, March 9 (IANS) Cameroonian Issa Hayatou will be re-elected unopposed in Morocco Sunday for a final four-year term as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) president.

Riyadh book fair brings nearly 1,000 exhibitors

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 03:28:00 +0300

Riyadh book fair, one of the most awaited literary carnivals of the city, was inaugurated by Minister of Culture and Information Abdul Aziz Khoja last night at the international exhibition center here in the presence of senior Saudi officials, intellectuals, in addition to a large number of publishers, scholars and writers.Out of the 957 stalls featuring the whole range of books and online material, 100 pavilions alone are from Morocco, which is the guest country in the fair. ...

A Moroccan Lesson for the Brotherhood

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:00:10 +0300

“Our party does not belong to the Muslim Brotherhood. We are part of their school (of thought) however we don’t have an organizational relationship with them. We have our own special development, ideology, and institutes.”With this sentence, Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane, who is also Secretary-General of the country’s Islamist Justice and Development Party, drew a dividing line between his political party and the Muslim Brotherhood movement. ...

In the Arab world's deepest state, the revolution continues

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:32:25 +0300

Morocco is at the forefront of the "admittedly slow and often tortuous evolution towards substantive democracy".

Second schedule of 'Yaan' completed

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 13:14:23 +0300

Chennai, Feb 18 (IANS) Jiiva-starrer upcoming Tamil film "Yaan" is inching closer to completion. The team successfully completed its second schedule Monday and will head to Morocco soon for 20 days.

The lure of Indian soaps

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 12:06:13 +0300

New Delhi, Feb 18 (IANS) At 7 in the evening in Casablanca, Morocco's fabled city, the streets become empty as everyone is watching their favourite Indian soap on television. It is a sign of the influence of India's soft power on a country and region with which it has enjoyed civilisational links.

Morocco jails 24 over Western Sahara clash in 2010

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 23:50:50 +0300

RABAT, Feb 17 (Reuters) - A Moroccan military court onSunday jailed 24 defendants accused of killing members of thesecurity forces who stormed a protest camp in the disputedWestern Sahara in 2010, state news agency MAP said. The Rabat court jailed eight of the 24 for life and fourdependents received 30-year prison terms. Another eight weregiven 25 years and two others were handed 20-year sentences. Two of the accused who received the lightest sentences, twoyears in jail, have already served their terms in custody. Onedefendant was tried in absentia and given a life sentence. ...

Morocco court sentences West Sahara activists

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 17:49:05 +0300

Sahrawis arrested after clash with security forces who were dismantling their camp in disputed Western Sahara in 2010.

Arab Spring and Maghreb: Morocco's distinctive model

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 10:08:12 +0300

The winds of the 'Arab Spring' were channeled by Morocco to expand and consolidate democracy and accelerate the pace of political reforms. His Majesty,The King Mohammed VI, announced in March 2011 a profound constitutional reform, which was largely supported by the Moroccan people through a referendum.

Sahrawis jailed for killing of W. Sahara security forces

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 07:47:27 +0300

A Moroccan military court on Sunday handed prison sentences, including life terms, to a group of Sahrawis accused of killing members of the security forces in the Western Sahara in 2010.

UAE leaders hold talks with envoys

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 23:51:15 +0300

Abu Dhabi, Feb 14 (IANS/WAM) Top officials of the UAE have met envoys from the US, Morocco, Japan to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations.

Morocco rejects demand for civilian trial of Sahrawis

Sat, 09 Feb 2013 20:09:34 +0300

A Moroccan military court on Saturday rejected demands to grant a civilian trial to 24 Sahrawis accused of killing members of the security forces in the Western Sahara, judicial sources said.