French National Assembly Adopted Morocco-French Justice Draft

Paris – The French National Assembly on Tuesday adopted by majority the bill regarding the additional protocol to the Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters between Morocco and France.

The French government had pledged, on 15 April, the fast track of this bill.

The Additional Protocol, signed on 6 February in Rabat, tends to favor a more sustainable and effective cooperation between France and Morocco, in compliance with domestic law and international commitments of both parties.

Speaking at the meeting, the Secretary of State for Development and Francophony, Annick Girardin, who introduced the bill on behalf of the government, said that the text creates the conditions for effective judicial cooperation in the full respect for the constitutional principles of the two countries, noting that it complies with the principles of separation of powers.

This text is the result of a strong common political will and commitment to the Franco-Moroccan friendship, she has said, adding that the agreement deals with the fundamental issues of democracy as the citizens’ access to justice.

She also said that Morocco is “an anchor of stability in an Arab world torn by conflict,” welcoming the important process of democratic and social modernization that the Kingdom last fifteen years.

France wants to remain the partner of the Kingdom in all fields, stressed Secretary of State, calling for support for the courageous choice and progress of Morocco.

For its part, Elisabeth Guigou, rapporteur of the project said that this protocol sends a political message of confidence in Morocco that started important reforms following the adoption of the new Constitution in 2011, noting that judicial reform will hold a central square.

The French need to update their approach to the Moroccan reality, she noted, pointing out that it has changed profoundly in recent years under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI.

“The signing of the Additional Protocol should be seen as an act of confidence in the ability of the judicial institutions of our two countries to dialogue on good terms for better administration of justice and judicial cooperation is at the height of our cooperation in other areas, “continued Ms. Guigou, also president of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly.

The President of the France-Morocco friendship group in the National Assembly, Luc Chatel, has meanwhile indicated that this text is a message of friendship and renewed confidence vis-à-vis Morocco, stressing that trust s ‘has recently resulted in economic terms with the signing of the implementation agreement of the French automotive group PSA Peugeot Citroen in the Kingdom.

The agreement will facilitate the exchange of information and better administration of justice and will help to promote a closer and more effective bilateral cooperation within the framework of compliance with international commitments of the two countries, they noted.

They further emphasized the role of Morocco as an essential and valuable partner of France in the particular crises settlement Sahel, Libya and the Middle East, as well as in the fight against the terrorist threat and transnational crime.

MEPs also welcomed the important steps taken by Morocco and advances in the consolidation of the rule of law, reiterating their commitment to friendship and special relationship between their countries to the Kingdom.

According to them, Morocco, which is an important stable partner in North Africa, is like a strong link in its region and is a pillar of stability to build a valuable bridge between the two shores of the Mediterranean.