Magharebia

Zodiac Aerospace Maroc is investing 135 million dirhams towards a new aeronautical project in Aïn Johra, confirming Morocco's advances in attracting investors and promoting the aeronautical sector.

The EU has allocated over four million euros towards improving gender equalities in nine Mediterranean countries and "in order to push the existing dynamics forward."

The Forum of Moroccan Youth for the Third Millennium organised a seminar to combat apathy among young voters in the run up to the June 12th communal elections.

Algerian clerics and human rights groups are locked in a vigorous debate over a death penalty ban proposed by Parliament. While the law allows it, Algeria has not executed a prisoner since 1993.

The Miss Kabylie pageant has drawn criticism from many Algerians, but the event's creator insists it provides girls with an opportunity to achieve their dreams.

Moroccan female medical specialists have organised a sit-down protest outside of the Ministry of Health, demanding new rules for assigning position locations. The Health Ministry continues to stand firm in its refusal to compromise the country's quality of care.

Fath Union Sportive, the historic club from Morocco’s administrative capital, has devised a new strategy for 2009. The objective is to restore the prestige of the football team, to the delight of its fans in Rabat.

The Malian army has stepped up its fight with Tuareg rebels in the country's northern border region of Kidal. Algeria continues to play its role of mediator in the crisis, although rebel leader Ibrahim Ag Bahanga recently called war the "only option".

Miss Kabylie 2009 talks with Magharebia about her selection as the new beauty queen and the role she sees for herself as an ambassador of Amazigh culture.

A new urban revitalisation programme in Morocco aims to stabilise cities by balancing economic, social and environmental needs.

Algeria began an ambitious plan this month to put computers in every classroom and require ICT training for education sector personnel. For some teachers, however, the transition has not been easy.

Three Moroccan civil service workers' unions decided to strike on January 23rd and February 10th to demand higher pay.

Prestigious Spanish football clubs FC Barcelona and Real Madrid opened two new football schools in Morocco, with more planned for the future.

The Union of Women's Action held seminars across Casablanca on Saturday to inform the public about the state of domestic violence in Morocco. Meanwhile, the government is working on a bill that includes significant changes to the law governing such crimes.

A new Leadership Institute in Casablanca will offer training and support to civil society organisations throughout the Middle East.

The lower house of the Moroccan Parliament finally approved a new Highway Code in the hopes of better regulating roads and preventing accidents. Road transportation workers and the public at large are wary of the new legislation.

Former GSPC commander Hassan Hattab released a statement this week calling on members of al-Qaeda operating in Algeria to surrender to the government.

Moroccan Minister of Interior Chakib Benmoussa met with leaders of several political parties to discuss the details of a charter aimed at guaranteeing the transparency of the upcoming June 12th communal elections.

Participants at a seminar in Tunisia discuss ways to balance religion with contemporary ideas of human rights and democracy.

A movie depicting veiled women is stirring controversy in Morocco. Before the film even opens to the public, director Aziz Salmi has been busy defending it.

Spanish officials and employers travelled to Morocco to recruit some 16,000 female seasonal workers for 2009.

Algeria's Rally for Culture and Democracy declared its intention Thursday to boycott the country's upcoming presidential elections.

Several high-profile teams were defeated during the first-round of the Algerian Cup. Smaller clubs relished their victory, while Division 1 teams sulked.

Sonia Moubarek discusses her singing career, her upcoming US tour and the cross-cultural message conveyed by her art.

Morocco plans to further promote the country's athletics performance by building state-of-the art facilities around the country.

Despite heightened security concerns along the way, participants in the Africa Race arrived in Dakar.

With the help of Emirati investors, Tunisia will be the first country in the region to host an integrated telecom city. Tunisians welcome the new project, which will create thousands of jobs.

Maati Benkeddour of the National Rally of Independents was elected Tuesday to lead Morocco's Chamber of Councillors, following the death of Mustapha Oukacha.

The UN Secretary-General appointed Christopher Ross as his new Personal Envoy for the Western Sahara, a decision warmly welcomed by all parties to the conflict.

While Morocco began heeding the Family Minister's call last May to help unemployed blind workers find civil service positions, a dangerous standoff last week at her ministry headquarters shows that some disabled citizens think the government is moving too slowly.

The people of Kabylia, alongside other Algerians, celebrate the advent of Yennayer in ways old and new.

Under a new decree, the Moroccan government will provide financial assistance to musicians and songwriters who produce Moroccan music.

At a recent conference in Tunisia, experts from across the Arab world shared strategies to combat adult illiteracy.

The election of a man of Moroccan origin to the post of mayor of Rotterdam is seen as an opportunity to further understanding between the Netherlands.

Morocco established a new council last week to improve the business climate, boost economic development and protect consumers. Critics, however, are already questioning the council's effectiveness.

A new poll finds Tunisian football fans divided as to whether club officials, referees, sports reporters or players are responsible for instigating intense club rivalries which can turn violent – even deadly.

Following ten days of deliberations, Mauritania's political leadership chose May 30th as the date for upcoming presidential elections. Also on the agenda are constitutional reforms to alter the government's balance of power.

Offshoring is relatively new to the Moroccan economy, but it is already boosting the job market. Experts expect to see gains over the next 10 years.

Trade between Maghreb nations is increasing, according to a recent Algerian report. Experts hope economic integration will lead to improved political relations.

The cost for several basic products and services increased in Morocco with the start of the New Year. Disgruntled consumers are calling for the price of certain commodities to follow international markets.

Every year, Moroccans celebrate Achoura with fireworks and bonfires. Misuse and negligence harm people and property, and authorities hope a ban on the practices will prevent these losses.

In preparation for the 2009 local elections, Morocco launched a campaign to update electoral rolls. The interior ministry hopes the new measures will attract more voters than in the 2007 legislatives.

A new petition calling for action against terrorism is receiving public attention in Tunisia, with many notable scholars and celebrities joining the ranks of signatories.

Algerian football league frontrunners ES Setif solidified their lead on Friday, with a 1-1 draw against ASO Chlef.

A new type of diesel with lower sulphur content will gradually replace the more polluting kinds on the market in Morocco. Some consumers, however, are worried about the higher retail price announced by the government.

After six children in Casablanca suddenly fell ill, parents are pressing the Moroccan government to examine the safety of its vaccination plan.

A seminar in Tunis called for better use of the Arabic language and the avoidance of linguistic 'hybrids" in the media and advertising. Young journalists counter that for today's broadcast purposes, classical language is too stiff.

Moroccans and visitors took to the streets on Wednesday to celebrate New Year's Eve, which coincided this year with the start of the Hijri year.