US embassy cable - 05RABAT458

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 06 RABAT 000458 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/25/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, EAID, PTER, MASS, ASEC, AMGT, MO, PDIP 
SUBJECT: NEXT SIX MONTHS IN MOROCCO 
 
REF: 2004 RABAT 1149 
 
Classified By: DCM, Wayne J. Bush for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) 
 
 1.  (C) The last half of 2004 brought to fruition in several 
important ways the Principals, Committee decisions to 
intensify U.S. relations with Morocco and enhance Morocco,s 
ability to counter terrorism and extremism following the May 
2003 terrorist bombings in Casablanca.  This cable reviews 
progress in U.S.-Morocco relations over the past six months 
and identifies critical milestones toward which the Embassy 
will work in the next six months. 
 
2.  (C) In large measure, Mission efforts over the next six 
months will seek to capitalize upon the mechanisms put into 
place over the past year to strengthen economic, military, 
and law-enforcement and counter-terrorism cooperation with 
Morocco and the surrounding region.  At the same time, we 
will continue close coordination with Morocco on U.S. and G-8 
efforts to support reform in the Broader Middle East and 
North Africa, building upon the successful U.S.-Morocco 
experience as co-chairs of the Forum for the Future.  We will 
advocate specifically for greater press freedom in Morocco, 
and work to ensure Morocco's full and timely implementation 
of the U.S. Morocco Free Trade Agreement. 
 
3.  (S) U.S. government initiatives have focused not only on 
rapidly strengthening law-enforcement and intelligence 
cooperation with Morocco, but on supporting Moroccan efforts 
to address the underlying social, political and economic 
conditions that create opportunities for extremists over the 
long-term.  Over the next six months, the Mission will 
continue steps to fully implement the USAID ESF-funded 
multi-year strategies on education, economic growth and 
democracy/governance, and will facilitate negotiation of 
Morocco's MCC compact with the U.S.  In addition, the Mission 
will move forward with efforts to expand public outreach by 
creating at least two American corners and providing the 
Department post,s proposal for an American Presence Post in 
Marrakech.   Meanwhile, continued U.S. engagement in the 
search for a solution to the Western Sahara conflict and 
related human rights concerns is a vital component of our 
overall relationship with Morocco, and one that is essential 
for long-term stability in the Maghreb.  Similarly, the 
Mission will work to obtain Moroccan support for dialogue 
between Israel and the Palestinians and efforts to create 
stability and democracy in Iraq. 
 
4.  (C) Major accomplishments over the past six months 
include: 
 
Major Milestones 
---------------- 
--The Mission supported the visit of King Mohammed VI to 
Washington. 
 
--The U.S. Congress and the Moroccan parliament ratified the 
U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement. 
 
Supporting Reform 
----------------- 
--The U.S. and Morocco worked together to co-chair the Forum 
for the Future to advance G-8 support for reform in the 
Broader Middle East and North Africa. 
 
--Morocco agreed to sponsor and began implementing the BMENA 
Entrepreneurship Initiative. 
 
--Through MEPI and other programs and ongoing advocacy 
efforts, the Mission supported implementation of Morocco,s 
landmark reform of the Moudawana (family law); provided 
assistance to strengthen parliament, political parties and 
local government; supported GOM efforts to end child labor; 
and, supported Moroccan actions to implement the FTA. 
 
--Advocated for continued progress on reform via visit of MCC 
CEO Applegarth and by directly linking MCA funding to reform 
results. 
 
--Promoted press freedom through DVC programs and high-level 
advocacy. 
 
--The Embassy monitored and reported on Morocco,s progress 
in conducting public Equity and Reconciliation Commission 
hearings. 
 
--Embassy coordinated on support for reform with EU countries 
and advocated successfully for Moroccan participation in NATO 
Med Dialogue. 
 
Counter-terrorism 
----------------- 
--Provided INL funded training to Moroccan law enforcement 
agencies in crime scene investigation and terrorist 
financing.  Conducted training for Moroccan Customs and 
Border patrol officers, and provided equipment.  Hosted 
Moroccan law enforcement officials in the United States for 
program on community policing.  Provided training to Moroccan 
officials in skill areas related to security-related 
information collection and analysis.  Helped GOM to create, 
equip and train special rapid reaction team to respond to 
terrorist events.  Provided counter-terrorism training for 40 
Moroccan military officers via the U.S. Center for 
Civil-Military Relations. 
 
--Initiated extensive interagency cooperation with GOM on 
PISCES and biometric data information sharing initiatives. 
 
--Advocated successfully for timely GOM action to meet 
International Maritime Organization ISPS port/maritime 
security standards. 
 
--Convened G8 Counter-Terrorism Action Group meeting. 
 
--Established a Legal Attach Office within the Embassy to 
intensify law-enforcement cooperation with Morocco and the 
surrounding region. 
 
--Added a Naval Attach and to the Defense Attach Office to 
focus on security of the Straits of Gibraltar and enhance 
interaction with the Moroccan Navy. 
 
Regional stability and conflict resolution 
------------------------------------------ 
--The Embassy and senior U.S. officials continued to 
encourage Morocco in seeking a solution to the Western Sahara 
conflict. 
 
--The Mission significantly expanded reporting related to the 
Western Sahara and confidence building measures through 
multiple reporting officer visits and broader contacts with 
the Sahrawi population. 
 
--The GOM provided diplomatic and public support for U.S. 
efforts to bring stability to Iraq and to make progress on 
the roadmap for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. 
 
Security of U.S. Personnel, Facilities and Information 
--------------------------------------------- --------- 
--Established a Force Protection Officer position in the 
Embassy to focus on security of transiting U.S. forces, 
including those engaged in joint exercises with Morocco,s 
Royal Armed Forces. 
 
--Carried out U.S. government-funded security upgrades at 
American schools in Rabat, Casablanca and Tangiers. 
 
--Relocated Peace Corps country office to more secure office 
building. 
 
Economic and Development Assistance 
----------------------------------- 
--The Millennium Challenge Corporation approved Morocco as 
the first Middle East country eligible for Millennium 
Challenge Account funding. 
 
--USAID began awarding contracts to implement the ESF-funded 
initiative to quadruple U.S. non-military assistance to 
Morocco, focused on education, economic growth and 
democracy/governance.  Specifically, the Mission awarded 
contracts for parliamentary strengthening, basic education, 
and vocational training and literacy. 
 
--The U.S. provided $3 million in emergency assistance to 
fight the locust invasion that threatened food and revenue 
for millions of people in southern and eastern Morocco as 
well as the Maghreb and Sahel regions.   To accomplish this 
the Mission conducted site visits, created power point 
presentations, gathered data and intervened at senior levels 
with Washington agencies. 
 
--Expanded Peace Corps program to 127 volunteers 
country-wide, and conducted English language summer camp for 
Moroccan youth run by Peace Corps Youth Development 
Volunteers. 
 
--The Mission secured two G/TIP grants for activities to 
counter trafficking in persons. 
 
--The Mission launched public-private partnership with Cisco 
to provide employment-related training in the technology 
sector.  Cisco management reported that it was the fastest 
startup of their Partnership program they have sever seen and 
included 30% female involvement exceeding it's program target. 
 
Support for U.S. business, trade and investment 
--------------------------------------------- -- 
--Successfully supported efforts by Boeing to conclude major 
aircraft sales to Morocco. 
 
--Conducted successful high-level advocacy to secure greater 
fairness and transparency in judicial processes involving 
U.S. business. 
--Obtained OPIC agreement in principle to host regional 
investment conference in Morocco 
. 
Public Outreach 
--------------- 
--Ambassador Riley led public diplomacy/reporting visits to 
remote areas of Morocco, including the regions surrounding 
Oujda, Nador, Al Hoceima, Ouarzazat, and Agadir. 
 
--The U.S. Mission and Moroccan government carried out the 
"FTA Caravan," a nationwide outreach effort to familiarize 
Moroccans throughout the country with the advantages and 
opportunities the FTA creates. 
 
--Conducted focus groups to enhance understanding of Moroccan 
attitudes toward terrorism. 
 
--Conducted public outreach on counter-terrorism utilizing 
senior USG officials including S/CT Coordinator Cofer Black. 
 
--Utilized cultural envoys in literature, sports and the 
performing arts, as well as exchange visits, to promote 
understanding of U.S. values. 
 
--Enhanced understanding of democratic systems and practices 
through representational programs for university students and 
others focused on U.S. election and inauguration. 
 
--Facilitated high level visits by Secretaries of State and 
Treasury, multiple Assistant and Under Secretary level 
visitors, and members of Congress to demonstrate continued 
U.S. support for Morocco,s reforms and efforts against 
terrorism. 
 
Military Cooperation 
-------------------- 
--Conducted military exchanges including CAPSTONE visit from 
National Defense University and visit of Business Executives 
for National Security.  Near East/South Asia Center conducted 
in-country seminars at Moroccan Military War College, Al 
Akhwayne University, and  the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 
 
--Hosted senior Moroccan military officers at the Joint 
Analysis Center in Molesworth and at the USEUCOM conference 
on the Trans Sahel Counter Terrorism Initiative. 
 
--Conducted U.S.-Morocco Navy Talks in Casablanca. 
 
--Conducted Exercise Majestic Eagle, a U.S. and multinational 
maritime exercise off the coast of Morocco involving 10,000 
personnel.   Conducted other exercise activities including 
Atlas Eagle, the Utah-Morocco State Partnership program, and 
numerous humanitarian projects.  Began planning for "African 
Lion 2005." 
 
--With U.S. encouragement, Morocco agreed to deploy 
peacekeeping troops to Haiti in conjunction with Spanish 
forces. 
 
Science and Technology 
---------------------- 
--The U.S. and Morocco made substantial progress toward 
signing an agreement to begin construction of a new seismic 
monitoring station. 
 
--Advanced discussions on bilateral Science and Technology 
agreement to final phase. 
 
 
5.    Mission efforts over the next six months will aim to 
maintain momentum in the U.S.-Morocco relationship following 
the successful Washington visit of King Mohammed; build upon 
the success of the Forum for the Future to leverage continued 
Moroccan support for domestic reform and the BMENA 
initiatives; encourage Morocco to address constructively the 
Western Sahara conflict with Algeria and the Polisario; 
identify and advocate constructive Moroccan actions to 
support dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians and 
efforts to achieve stability and democracy in Iraq; utilize 
the Free Trade Agreement as a springboard to expanded U.S. 
trade with and investment in Morocco;  deepen 
counter-terrorism cooperation, taking advantage of enhanced 
U.S. law-enforcement presence in the Mission; move forward 
with new USAID and MCA development assistance; and, expand 
U.S. public outreach to take advantage of potentially 
improving receptiveness of Moroccan audiences resulting from 
reduction in tension between Israel and the Palestinians and 
improving conditions in Iraq.   The Embassy will focus on the 
following specific activities to achieve these objectives: 
(This list is not exhaustive, but captures major activities 
over the next six months.) 
 
Supporting Reform 
----------------- 
--Leverage Moroccan enthusiasm and support for reforms and 
the BMENA initiatives by obtaining active Moroccan support 
for efforts by the UK, as G-8 president, and Bahrain to 
prepare the next Forum for the Future. 
--Establish in conjunction with GOM and Al Akhwayne 
University the BMENA sponsored Center for Entrepreneurial 
Excellence 
 
--Begin preparations for MEPI-sponsored Middle East-North 
Africa labor ministers, social dialogue conference in Rabat 
and secure participation of Labor Secretary Chao. 
 
--Continue to engage GOM at senior levels on press freedom 
and support GOM efforts toward press reform. 
 
--Encourage continued progress on reform within Morocco 
through advocacy and dialogue, including focus on continued 
Moroccan improvement as measured by Millennium Challenge 
Account eligibility criteria. 
 
--Monitor and report on progress of the Equity and 
Reconciliation Commission and ongoing implementation of the 
Moudawana reforms. 
 
Counter-terrorism 
----------------- 
--Intensify counter terrorism coordination by creating and 
beginning to implement country plan for newly established 
legal attach office in Rabat. 
 
--Continue internal coordinating of counter-terrorism efforts 
through Mission counter-terrorism working group. 
 
--Advocate for passage of anti-money laundering legislation. 
 
--Facilitate senior level exchanges on counter terrorism 
between Moroccan security chief Laanigri and senior U.S. 
government officials from the FBI, ORA and State Department. 
 
--Advance biometric and law enforcement cooperation with 
Morocco through implementation of PISCES and biometric 
information sharing initiatives. 
 
--Implement FY-2005 INL and ATA funded counter terrorism and 
border security training and assistance programs for Moroccan 
law enforcement officials.  Plan FY-2006 activities through 
close consultation with the GOM. 
 
--Evaluate, in conjunction with GOM, viability of U.S. funded 
community-policing initiative for Morocco. 
 
--Complete construction of LEGATT office space and make 
LEGATT fully operational. 
 
--Conduct terrorist finance/money laundering training by FBI 
experts. 
 
Regional stability and conflict resolution 
------------------------------------------ 
--Facilitate visit of Deputy Foreign Minister and King,s 
Advisor to Washington in March. 
 
--Encourage King Mohammed,s constructive interaction with 
Algerian President Bouteflika on the issue of the Western 
Sahara during the March Arab League summit in Algiers. 
 
--Continue U.S. support, monitoring and evaluation of 
confidence building measures aimed at creating greater mutual 
understanding among the Sahrawi living in Tindouf and those 
in Western Sahara. 
 
--In coordination with Department, advocate for steps leading 
to the release of Moroccan prisoners of war. 
 
--In consultation with the Department, encourage GOM to 
identify and carry out specific steps, such as the exchange 
of liaison offices with Israel and financial support for the 
Palestinians, to encourage progress along the roadmap for 
peace in the Middle East. 
 
--Encourage active GOM support for stability and democracy in 
Iraq. 
 
Security of U.S. Personnel, Facilities and Information 
--------------------------------------------- --------- 
--Enhance Mission capability to respond to security related 
emergencies by establishing additional REACT room at MSG 
quarters. 
 
--Initiate OBO perimeter security upgrade at chancery. 
 
--Identify and evaluate alternatives for obtaining more 
secure workspace for USAID 
 
--Expand participation of U.S. businesses in Overseas 
Security Advisory Council and hold OSAC meeting. 
 
Economic and Development Assistance 
----------------------------------- 
--Facilitate Moroccan efforts to construct Millennium 
Challenge Account compact through open and consultative 
process. 
 
--USAID will complete contract awards to fully implement new 
ESF funded strategy.  Specifically USAID will evaluate 
proposals and award contracts for programs in local 
governance, improved business environment, and new business 
development. 
--Expand Peace Corps program by fifty new volunteers, 
rebuilding program to pre-war level. 
 
Support for U.S. business, trade and investment 
--------------------------------------------- - 
--Promote full FTA implementation and Moroccan compliance 
through completion of CLDP study of compliance requirements 
and continuous review with the GOM. 
 
--Secure firm OPIC commitment to host regional investment 
conference in Morocco and begin detailed planning. 
--Promote U.S. trade and investment with Morocco via 
Ambassador,s participation in U.S. business outreach program. 
 
Public Outreach 
--------------- 
--Obtain Department approval to establish American Presence 
Post in Marrakech; identify facility and personnel. 
 
--Establish American Corners in Marrakech and Oujda. 
 
--Provide cultural representatives to participate in 
festivals in Fez, Marrakech, Casablanca, and other cities to 
be determined. 
 
--Conduct DVC with Moroccan students in the US to dispel 
misperceptions about treatment of Muslims and foreign 
students. 
 
--Ensure participation of Moroccan journalists in NATO Med 
Dialogue program. 
 
--Provide speaker and other support for activities for World 
Press Freedom Day. 
 
--Conduct media outreach program for journalists in Oujda and 
Nador. 
 
--Initiate interaction with Al Akhwayne University on press 
freedom. 
 
--Reinstitute summer institute for English language training. 
 
--Broaden regional participation in Morocco Association of 
English Teachers conference. 
 
--Program exchange visits approximately 24 activities in 
first half of 2005, including  book fairs, performing 
artists, U.S. speakers, and American writers. 
 
--Provide public affairs support for high level visitors, 
U.S. sponsored international conferences, and U.S. Military 
exercises. 
 
Military Cooperation 
-------------------- 
--In coordination with Washington and EUCOM, create 
opportunities for increased military to military dialogue 
between Morocco and Algeria, especially by creating and 
planning a U.S. naval exercise involving Morocco, Algeria and 
Tunisia. 
 
--Convene third annual U.S.-Morocco Defense Consultative 
Committee meeting chaired by A/S Rodman in Morocco in May 
2005. 
 
--Execute Exercise African Lion in southern Morocco in April 
2005. 
 
--Conduct third annual bilateral military intelligence 
exchange meeting with Chief of Moroccan military intelligence 
in September 2005. 
 
--Obtain Moroccan participation in EUCOM Chief of Defense 
conference on Trans-Sahel Counter Terrorism Initiative 
 
--Host National Defense University visit to Morocco in May 
2005. 
 
Science and Technology 
---------------------- 
--Complete and sign bilateral Science and Technology 
Agreement. 
 
--Sign agreement and commence construction of U.S. funded 
seismic monitoring station. 
RILEY