HIBAPRESS – Chafiq Annouri
Contrary to the attempt by a large segment of Arab figures and social media pioneers to exaggerate the protests that Morocco is experiencing, former Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki affirmed that demonstrations are a natural characteristic in living societies.
Marzouki said in a post published on his personal Facebook account, "Everything that is happening in Morocco is, for me, as important as what is happening in Tunisia," describing the Kingdom as "my second country." He added that he is following "the recent events every moment, and my position is that of a loving person, extremely keen on the stability of Morocco, the continuation of its astonishing progress, and the realization of the dreams of its noble youth." He continued, "Not a day goes by in France, where I spend my third exile, without demonstrations demanding reforms that do not stop. What is happening then, of legitimate protests by the youth, is a characteristic of all living societies." He clarified that Moroccan society is one of these living societies, adding, "I proudly record the three prohibitions of this politically mature youth in its peaceful demonstrations to achieve its legitimate demands." These prohibitions are, the former Tunisian president adds: "No to vulgar language, no to violence against the police, no to the destruction of public property." He continued: "It is the correct approach that must end with calm, and one of its most important pillars is responding to the demands of the youth and continuing the reforms they call for." Marzouki affirmed his trust and hope that "King Mohammed VI will deal with this crisis with the wisdom he showed in responding to the events of 2012 (meaning 2011)." He pointed to the King's wisdom and saved Morocco at that time "the heavy price that the peoples of the Arab Spring paid for the counter-revolution that aborted – temporarily – all our peoples' hopes for freedom, justice and dignity," concluding: "And the night must pass."
