Laayoune – A delegation of permanent representatives to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) embarked on a visit to Laayoune, exploring the developmental strides in the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region. The delegation engaged in a series of meetings with local authorities, elected officials, and members of the LaSyoune-Sakia El Hamra Regional Human Rights Commission.
During a meeting with the Wali of the LaSyoune-Sakia El Hamra region, Abdeslam Bekrate, the delegation was briefed on the significant efforts undertaken by the state. The discussions covered various programs and projects aimed at fostering development in alignment with the directives of HM King Mohammed VI.
The delegation, consisting of ambassadors from Senegal, Gabon, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone, UAE, Yemen, Bahrain, Cabo Verde, Comoros, The Gambia, Zambia, Eswatini, and Malawi learned about Morocco’s advancements in political, economic, social, and legal domains, and the measures taken under the new development model for the
Southern Provinces, initiated by HM King Mohammed VI in 2015.
Visiting the Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra Regional Council headquarters, the delegation acquainted themselves with the positive impacts of projects implemented as part of the new development model. Presentations showcased the region’s potential and infrastructure in economic and social sectors, emphasizing sustainable socio-economic development.
In a meeting with Laayoune Municipal Council President Moulay Hamdi Ould Errachid, the delegation received a detailed presentation on the city’s projects across various fields. Ould Errachid reiterated the Council’s commitment to the autonomy plan as a realistic solution with consistent international support, ensuring the dignity, freedom, and rights of the local population. Historical ties between Sahrawi tribes and the sultans of Morocco were also emphasized.
The delegation’s visit in LaSyoune will continue with meetings with the Regional Investment Center director, Sahrawi tribal leaders, civil society mem
bers, and on-site visits to various development projects, including the university campus, the city of trades and skills, the Phosboucraa Foundation, and the African Institute for Sustainable Agriculture Research (ASARI), among others.
Source: Agency Morocaine De Presse
JERUSALEM: A Palestinian resident of the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Jabal al-Mukaber was forced to demolish his own home after receiving a demolition order from the Israeli municipality of West Jerusalem, citing unpermitted construction as a pretext.
The house owner, Jameel Sarri, said he was forced today to self-demolish his 100-square-meter home following a raid by a municipal staff into his home. The municipality staff threatened the owner that if he did not demolish his house on his own, the municipality staff would demolish it and force him to pay exorbitant amounts of money in costs and fines.
The demolition rendered the five-member family homeless in the cold winter weather.
Under the pretext of building without a permit, which is rarely granted to Palestinians in the occupied city, the Israeli municipality has been demolishing or forcing Palestinians to demolish their own houses as part of a policy aimed at restricting Palestinian expansion and growth in occupied Jerusalem.
Palestinians in Eas
t Jerusalem find themselves compelled to tear down their homes after receiving a demolition order to avoid paying exorbitant costs to the Israeli municipality if it carries out the demolition.
Palestinians say they are forced to build without permits because the Israeli municipality discriminates against them and refuses to issue permits or places unreasonable conditions that they cannot afford to issue a permit.
At the same time, thousands of housing units are built for colonists in the city on appropriated Palestinian lands and are made easily accessible to them.
Source: Palestine News and Information Agency