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International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace
IAPP Inaugurated in Morocco
Written by David Fraser Harris, secretary general, UPF-Middle East
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Rabat, Morocco—On November 7, 2018 the president of the House of Representatives, Hon. Habib El Malki, chaired a special meeting in the Morocco Room of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Morocco to formally inaugurate the Morocco Parliament branch of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP). In attendance were the vice president of the House of Councillors, Hon. Abdelhamid Souiri, and the leaders of each political group in the parliament, together with other members of parliament.
“Today’s event is central to the spreading of peace as Morocco plays a key role in Africa and the Middle East,” said the president. “One hundred years after the end of the First World War, nations and people all over the world are working hard for peace. Our goal is to spread and strengthen the culture of peace in all parts of the world.”
Dr. Thomas Walsh, chair of UPF, expressed great respect for Morocco’s efforts for peace, in particular for the work of King Mohammed VI in building good relations with neighboring countries. In its capacity as an NGO with general consultative status with the UN, UPF through its flagship program, the IAPP, hopes to encourage an enriching exchange of experience between parliaments and civil society.
Mrs. Erna Hennicot-Schoepges, co-chair of the IAPP in Europe and former president of the parliament of Luxembourg, highlighted the role of parliamentarians as key to the link between the civil population and the legislature. She spoke of the challenges to democracy in Europe, pointing out the great need to address a loss of faith in democracy.
Following brief comments from others in the UPF delegation, including UPF Vice President Taj Hamad, Hon. El Malki spoke again of the importance of this meeting, emphasizing the need to defend representative institutions worldwide. “Our role—together—is vital for humankind. This meeting is a first step to defend peace and stability…. I hope this section of the IAPP will be an effective element for the expansion of the culture of peace.”
When the speeches had concluded, Dr. Walsh presented Hon. El Malki with an Ambassador for Peace award.
Moroccan TV included 2.5 minutes of coverage of the meeting. The commentary concluded: “The Moroccan branch definitely will play an important role in cooperation and discussion among parliaments in order to support peace in the world and also to solve the problems of terrorism, fundamentalism and extremism, besides spreading the culture, values and principles of peace, society and equality between men and women and also human rights.”
To read Hon. Habib El Malki’s speech in English, please click here.
To read it in Arabic, please click here.
To read a press release about the event in English, please click here.
To read it in Arabic, please click here.
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