Diplomat speaks as part of forum

\nThe Office of the Vice Provost for International Programs and the Center for International Studies brought Aziz Mekouar, Morocco's ambassador to the United States, to the University last night as part of the c

ontinuing Ambassadors' Speakers Forum.

The ambassador educated students and other audience members gathered in Nau Hall about Morocco's history and politics.

After briefl

y outlining some of Morocco's most famous characteristics, including having 12 recorded centuries of history and hosting the "longest standing university or institution that is still giving university degrees," Mekouar discussed the country's history and current political state. He stressed the differences between Morocco and other nearby regions by noting its multi-party system and constitutional monarchy.

Additionally, M

ekouar talked about the progress Morocco has made in recent years, citing changes in its political system and increasing respect for human rights.

One example Mekouar offered was the current reign of King Muhammad VI. The king insists Morocco's political system be "free and fair," and appointed the Equity and Reconciliation Commission to look at past abuses of human rights. Mekouar estimated the government paid $100 million to families and people who were abused in the past, including those who went without fair trials and "people who were kept in custody for more than the legal time of 48 hours. Even if it was 49 hours."

Mekouar said Muhammad VI focuses on women's rights as well, abolishing the "family law" which requires fathers to give their daughters to their new husbands. Next to each of the 11 new progressive changes ou

tlined, a verse of Islam was written to satisfy religious Moroccans, he said.

Mekouar said despite Morocco's progress, however, it still faces problems such as corruption, economic troubles, an inefficient educational system and a political system not all Moroccans have faith in.

"We have 35 parties," Mekouar said. "We have seven unions. So the big challenge is how are we going to move forward from here. That's it. That's the question."

Majida Bargach, associate director to the Center for International Studies and director of the U.Va. in Morocco study abroad program, extended an in-person invitation to Mekouar to speak at the University, Mary Jo Bateman, ad

ministrative assistant to the Office of the Vice Provost, said in an email.

The Global Student Council also worked with Bateman to sponsor the event.

"These ambassadors are ... involved with economics and politics," and come to the University to teach students about these fields, Council President Heidi Wilder said.

Bargach said Mekouar is the first ambassador from Morocco to visit the University. She introduced Mekouar as "truly not only an outstanding diplomat, but also a global citizen of the world."

Third-year College student Katherine Struthers said she enjoyed the event.

"It was an incredible honor to be able to hear [Mekouar]," she said. "It's great the University brings in people ... to talk about current events that people care about"