Resolution on Syrian crackdown submitted to UN

Concerns Russia may veto draft resolution to security council condemning killings and torture of pro-democracy protesters

 

guardian.co.uk, Reuters, Thursday 26 May 2011

The draft resolution calls on the UN security council to condemn the
crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Syria. Photograph: AP

European states have submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations security council condemning Syria for its deadly crackdown on pro-democracy protesters, diplomats said.

Britain, France, Germany and Portugal circulated the resolution to the 15-state council despite the risk of a veto by Russia.

The draft, obtained by Reuters, "condemns the systematic violation of human rights, including the killings, arbitrary detentions, disappearances, and torture of peaceful demonstrators, human rights defenders and journalists by the Syrian authorities".

The text, which says Syrian actions may amount to crimes against humanity, demands that Damascus comply with a UN human rights council inquiry and launch its own "credible and impartial investigation" into the violence against protesters.

Unlike resolutions passed this year on Libya, the draft does not provide for UN sanctions or military intervention against Syria. But it urges states not to supply arms to Damascus.

The text reached council members a day after a Syrian human rights group said security forces had killed at least 1,100 civilians in their two-month campaign to crush anti-government demonstrations.

"The situation warrants action by the security council," said Portugal's UN ambassador, José Filipe Moraes Cabral.

But he said it would not be easy to get a resolution on Syria through the council in the face of a potential Russian veto. "I don't want to underestimate the complex issues involved in approving such resolution," he told reporters.

UN diplomats said a vote on the resolution was unlikely before next week.

If the council remained silent it "would only embolden the Syrian leaders in the war they are waging on their own people", said Philippe Bolopion, of Human Rights Watch. "A strong message from the council is long overdue, and countries opposing it would have a lot of explaining to do."

A previous attempt to push the council into condemning the actions of President Bashar al-Assad's security forces failed after Russia, India and China made clear they would oppose it.

The Europeans first pushed for a statement, but envoys said a resolution would be easier to get through a divided council. Statements require unanimous approval, while resolutions need only nine yes votes and no vetoes from the five permanent members – the US, Britain, France, Russia and China. Resolutions, unlike statements, are legally binding.

Cabral said he was confident of getting nine votes for the resolution, but avoiding a veto could be more challenging.

US officials have made clear they would rather have no council action than a vetoed resolution, envoys said. Washington fears such an outcome would send a signal to Assad that the international community is divided on the issue, which he could interpret as a green light to escalate his crackdown.

Last week, President Dmitry Medvedev said Russia would not support a council resolution on Syria – a longtime ally of Moscow – if it were similar to a 17 March resolution authorising military intervention in Libya.

Obama, Cameron predict success in Libya

Associated Press, By JULIE PACE, May 25, 2011

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, and U.S. President Barack Obama during
a state banquet in Buckingham Palace, London, on Tuesday May 24, 2011.
President Barack Obama immersed himself in the grandeur of Britain's royal
family Tuesday, as Queen Elizabeth II welcomed him to Buckingham Palace
for the first day of a state visit. (AP Photo/Lewis Whyld, Pool)

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LONDON (AP) -- Predicting success in Libya, President Barack Obama said Wednesday that Moammar Gadhafi would ultimately be forced to step down if NATO keeps up its military campaign with the U.S. playing a key role.

"I believe that we have built enough momentum that as long as we sustain the course we're on, he will step down," the visiting president said at a joint news conference with British Prime Minister David Cameron.

"Ultimately this is going to be a slow, steady process in which we're able to wear down the regime forces," Obama said. He ruled out a deadline for ending the U.S. role in Libya, saying the mission would end in a timely fashion

Cameron rallied behind Obama's approach, saying what was needed in Libya was "patience and persistence."

The two leaders affirmed their joint resolve despite complaints among some NATO countries about the reduced U.S. role since NATO took the lead after the initial days of the two-month-old campaign against Gadhafi.

But the president also said, "David and I both agree that you can't put boots on the ground in Libya." He said "enormous sacrifices" made by the NATO allies have made a difference, but that ultimately "this is going to be a slow, steady process" that eventually will sap Gadhafi's resolve.

"We've been extraordinarily successful in avoiding civilian casualties," Obama added. "That means that sometimes we may have to be more patient than people would like."

Said Cameron: "I would agree that the two key things here are patience and persistence." He said "we're extremely strong together in wanting to see the same outcomes."

France among other NATO countries has pushed for a more aggressive military approach in Libya, but Obama gave no indication that increased firepower would be forthcoming from the U.S. even though officials in some allied nations would like to see that.

At the same time, the president said the U.S. is "strongly committed to seeing the job through, making sure that, at a minimum, Gadhafi doesn't have the capacity to send in a bunch of thugs to murder innocent civilians and to threaten them."

The international community has stepped up both the air campaign and diplomatic efforts against the regime in a bid to break a virtual stalemate between the rebels in the east and Gadhafi, who maintains a stranglehold on most of the west.

The military campaign in Libya began with what seemed a narrowly defined mission: to enforce a no-fly zone and protect civilians from attack. Two months later, the campaign has evolved into a ferocious pounding of the country's capital, Tripoli, in what appears an all-out effort to oust Gadhafi. But that goal remains elusive.

The Libyan opposition remains weak. NATO, the North Atlantic military alliance which took over command of the campaign from the U.S. on March 31, appears to have no clear exit strategy. Two of the allies, Britain and France, have descended into public squabbling over bringing the fight closer to Gadhafi with attack helicopters. And the French foreign minister said Tuesday his country's willingness to continue the campaign was not endless.

On another matter, Obama said the U.S. is increasing pressure on Syria's President Bashar Assad and his regime, which has been attacking protesters there.

RI, Egypt ask some NAM members to recognize Palestine

Antara News, Wed, May 25 2011

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (right) strikes a gong to open the
ministerial meeting of the Non Aligned Movement (NAM) in Nusa Dua, Bali,
witnessed by UN General Assembly President Joseph Deiss (third left),
Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa (second left) and Bali Governor Made
Mangku Pastika (left). The meeting, which began on May 23, will last until
May 27. (JP/Stanny Angga)

Nusa Dua (ANTARA News) - Indonesia and Egypt are doing their best to ask Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) members to recognize and support the existence of Palestine, Indonesia Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said.

Marty said here Tuesday night that in his meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Abdalla El-Araby on the sidelines of NAM`s 16th Ministerial Meeting here, both sides discussed efforts how to partner in advancing and supporting a concrete peace process in Palestine.

Marty said that Indonesia and Egypt agreed to share the tasks to encourage countries in their respective regions to recognize Palestine.

"We sorted out countries in the regions which have not yet recognized Palestine," Marty said after having a bilateral meeting with the Egyptian foreign minister.

He said that NAM so far consistently supported the existence of Palestine but there were still 29 members which had not yet recognized it based on various reasons.

The 16th ministerial meeting of NAM in Bali was a new momentum for the countries which had not yet recognized Palestine to recognize it.

"So far, Indonesia and Egypt have fostered close relations and the two foreign ministers have agreed to increase the ties to a higher level," Marty said.

Editor: Aditia Maruli

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Egypt and Tunisia to get $6bn from World Bank

BBC News, 24 May 2011

Related Stories 

• Egypt asks IMF to prop up deficit
• Reconstruction bank at crossroads
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The World Bank has pledged $6bn in loans for Egypt and Tunisia in a move explicitly to bolster the Arab Spring.

The World Bank move is explicitly aimed at bolstering
the Arab Spring democratic revolutions

Egypt, which will receive $4.5bn over two years, is also speaking to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Meanwhile, Qatar has offered to make up to $10bn in investments in Egypt.

It comes after the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development - set up to aid post-Communist Eastern Europe - said at the weekend it would start lending to emerging Arab democracies.

Egypt and Morocco had already applied to the EBRD for financial assistance.

But while the lender said it hoped eventually to provide up to 2.5bn euros ($3.5bn) a year to the region, any such wholesale geographic reorientation of its mandate would need the approval of all of its 63 members.

Funding gap

Like the EBRD, the World Bank explicitly stated its desire to support the Arab Spring of democratic revolutions.

"Our support, and that of others, can sustain momentum and accelerate progress, but only if coupled with real reform," said Robert Zoellick, World Bank president.

The World Bank money will be made conditional on the countries' progress in modernising their economies.

Tunisia - which was the first country to oust its former dictator - will receive $1.5bn from the international lender, of which $500m is part of a previously-announced $1.2bn package put together with the African Development Bank and European donors.

Egypt's finances 

• $10bn expected funding shortfall in 2011-12
• $4.5bn new loans from the World Bank over two years
• $1.2bn in existing World Bank support
• $1bn debt forgiveness by US, plus $1bn loan guarantees
• $4bn aid package from Saudi Arabia
• $10bn investments from Qatar
• Multi-billion dollar loans from the IMF to be agreed

Two tranches of $1bn, to be provided directly to the Egyptian government this year and next, would be linked to "governance and openness reforms".

The other money would be provided in other formats, such as guarantees, private business loans and infrastructure financing.

Egypt's financing needs are daunting, thanks to a collapse in the economy - notably the tourism industry - triggered by the recent political turmoil.

Elevated demands of the people after the revolution were adding to pressure on the budget, Finance Minister Samir Radwan told the BBC earlier this month.

The country expects to run a deficit of 9-10% of economic output in the coming year and faces a financing gap of $10bn-12bn, which it has already formally applied to the IMF to help plug.

Gulf support

Qatar's planned investments in Egypt are expected to be consummated during a visit to Egypt by Qatar's emir this Saturday.

"I believe these projects, when implemented, will surpass $10bn and they will be productive products in Egypt," said the Qatari ambassador, Saleh al-Buainein.

The emirate may also buy up Egyptian government bonds in order to help fund its deficit.

It comes after the US and Saudi Arabia offered the new Egyptian government financial support.

The US said it would cancel $1bn in debts and provide a further $1bn in loan guarantees to support infrastructure finance.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has offered a $4bn aid package.

India prime minister pledges billions to Africa

BBC News, 24 May 2011

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India will offer $5bn (£3.1bn) credit to African nations to help them meet development goals, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said.

Mr Singh is also likely to take up the issue
of Somali pirates

Speaking at a meeting with African heads of state in Ethiopia, Mr Singh also pledged to support African education and infrastructure.

He is in Africa in a bid to expand India's trade with the continent.

Analysts say India is lagging behind its rival China in trying to invest in and access African markets.

Mr Singh is at the beginning of a six-day visit to the continent.

India's commerce with Africa is worth $40bn (£25bn) a year, but it is dwarfed by China, which does roughly three times as much business with the continent.

Manmohan Singh spoke of a unique relationship between India and Africa, which he said owed its origins to a common struggle against colonialism, apartheid and poverty.

He said Africa had the potential for major growth.

"Africa possesses all the prerequisites to become a major growth pole of the world. There is good news in the struggle against HIV and Aids, as well as in improving literacy, reducing infant mortality and building institutions of representative government," he said.

The BBC's Will Ross, in Nairobi, says that despite the global downturn, India and Africa have been fairly resilient - economies are steadily growing although many of the poor would say they are not feeling the benefit in their own pockets.

While India's economy expanded by more than 8%, India's business links in Africa are also growing - one example being Bharti Airtel spending $10bn (£6.2bn) in 2010 to take over mobile phone operations across Africa from the Kuwaiti firm, Zain.

The challenge for African leaders, our correspondent says, is how to boost the trade and move away from an over-reliance on single commodities - the continent's raw materials.

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Saudi should free woman driver-rights group

Reuters, Tue May 24, 2011

• Police arrest Saudi woman driver in east of kingdom
• Woman driver posted Youtube video of her driving
• Video has attracted more than 500,000 views

JEDDAH, May 24 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia should free a female activist arrested after driving a car in defiance of a ban on women motorists and posting video of it on Youtube to encourage others, a U.S-based rights group and activists said.

Police arrested Manal Alsharif at her home on Sunday and detained her in Dammam prison, facing charges of "besmirching the kingdom's reputation abroad and stirring up public opinion," Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report late on Monday.

The conservative Islamic state has no written ban on women driving, but Saudi law requires citizens to use a locally issued licence while in the country. Such licences are not issued to women, making it effectively illegal for them to drive.

Alsharif learned to drive in the United States. The video of her driving her car around Khobar in the oil producing Eastern Province attracted more than 500,000 views in three days. "Arresting a woman who drove her family around in a car and then showed it online opens Saudi Arabia to condemnation and, in fact, to mockery, around the world," said Christoph Wilcke, senior Middle East researcher at HRW.

"The longer she stays in prison, the more the kingdom will have to answer for," he said.

Over 550 Saudi citizens urged Alsharif's release, according to a petition directed to King Abdullah and posted on Facebook.

"We call upon you, Custodian of the two holy mosques, to release the citizen Manal Alsharif and relieve her of the unjust actions towards her," the petition says.

"We also believe that now is the time to resolve the issue of female driving clearly ... We need a clear law to determine if it is banned or allowed."

Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy that does not tolerate any form of dissent and applies an austere version of Sunni Islam in which religious police patrol the streets to ensure public segregation between men and women.

Besides being banned from driving, women must have written approval from a designated male guardian -- a father, husband, brother or son -- to work, or travel abroad and even undergo certain forms of surgery.

The campaign Alsharif launched is aimed at teaching women to drive and encouraging them to start driving from June 17, using foreign-issued licences.

(Reporting by Asma Alsharif; Editing by Jason Benham and Ralph Boulton)

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Egypt-Indonesia democratisation explored

The Egyptian Gazette, by Mohamed Kassem, Monday, May 23, 2011

JAKARTA – Egypt occupies a special place in Indonesia’s history and many Indonesians have not forgotten how Egypt was one of the first countries to recognise its independence from a colonial power.

Against this backdrop and the recent democratic transition in Egypt, there is a widespread international awareness of the similarity between Indonesia’s experience with democratisation since 1998 and the rapidly moving events in Egypt today.

Egypt is entering a period of historic political transition and is facing remarkably similar challenges to those that Indonesia had to deal with during the period of reformasi in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Following a popular uprising against a previously entrenched authoritarian regime, Egypt today, like Indonesia a decade ago, is attempting to rebuild its institutions of state and foster a new democratic culture and open political competition.

Conditions in Egypt today resemble those of the immediate post-Suharto period in Indonesia, with the closest parallel perhaps in the months between the resignation of the Indonesian President in May 1998 and the convening of the Special Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) in November whereby the agenda of reform was agreed upon.

Like that time in Indonesia, events in Egypt are moving rapidly with the holding of the referendum on constitutional reform on March 19 in Egypt and elections next September.

In light of political developments in the two countries, it is appropriate to compare them in other more basic ways. Indonesia and Egypt are of similar size and potential global significance and are pivotal in their respective regions.

Both have a moderate Muslim majority but with significant non-Muslim minorities; have a largely secular political culture but with challenges from Islamist minorities; and have had militaries with a major role in politics and the economy.

Given the similarity between the processes of democratic transition in Indonesia and Egypt, a workshop, organised by the Institute for Peace and Democracy, opens Wednesday in Jakarta to initiate dialogue between selected Indonesians and Egyptians regarding lessons and observations about the Indonesian experience that may be of relevance to efforts to strengthen democracy in Egypt.

This is not to suggest that everything that occurred in Indonesia from 1998 should or could be copied by Egypt, but that the Egyptians can select what they might find helpful. Mistakes as well as successes could be taken as inspiration or salutary lessons.

The objective of the workshop is first to hold dialogue and provide an opportunity for the Egyptian participants to be exposed to examples from a comparable country, not to develop particular proposals or solutions, say organisers.

The initiative of the workshop came from the Institute of Peace and Democracy (IPD) as the implementing agency of the Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) as a track to initiative.

The focus of the discussions would fall under the broad theme of “Setting the Agenda”: in other words, identifying what are the key tasks that need to be tackled in the immediate period to advance and consolidate democracy in Egypt.

The current situation is very fluid and the nature of constitutional and political arrangements in the post-Mubarak era are not yet clear. The most pressing task would appear to be to define what has to be done, how and when it should be done and who should do it.

Current debate in Egypt about what should be done appears to focus on questions such as the role of an interim administration, constitutional reform and early elections, the how and who embraces issues such as the place of the military in both the transition period and in future politics, balancing the respective voices of various majority and minority religious and socio-economic groups in the process of change, as well as the role of political parties and civil society in a new national political compact.

The when questions, especially the timing and sequencing of constitutional reform and elections, will critically affect the quality of popular consultation and participation and thus the nature of outcomes.

Topics of discussion include the role of the military in transition and their place in future democratic society, constitutional and political reforms, politics and state in Islam as well as the role of the media in transitional and consolidating democracy.

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Syria: EU imposes sanctions on President Assad

BBC News, 23 May 2011

Syria Crisis 

• Refugees' tales of brutality
• 'I am always scared'
• Q&A: Syria protests
• President's inner circle

The EU has imposed sanctions on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for the first time to pressure him to end his brutal crackdown on dissent, officials say.

Bashar al-Assad's government insists it is
pursuing "armed terrorist gangs"

Foreign ministers agreed at a meeting in Brussels to add Mr Assad and nine other officials to a list affected by travel bans and asset freezes.

The EU had already imposed sanctions on the president's brother, four of his cousins and others in his inner circle.

Five people were shot dead at funerals in Homs on Saturday, activists say.

They were mourning some of the anti-government protesters killed by security forces after Friday prayers in the city, in central Syria.

At least 44 people are believed to have been shot dead during Friday's nationwide demonstrations. But the government said only 17 people had been killed by armed gangs at small gatherings.

Human rights activists say more than 850 people have been killed and thousands arrested since the operation to quell dissent began in March.

'Unacceptable violence'

Monday's EU announcement of sanctions came days after US President Barack Obama imposed sanctions on Mr Assad for human rights abuses - the first time he had been targeted specifically by the international community.

 Abu Dirar, a Damascus resident, said troops were using swords and knives

"President Assad now has a choice. He can lead that transition or get out of the way. The Syrian government must stop shooting demonstrators and allow peaceful protests," Mr Obama said in a speech last week.

The 10 individuals affected by EU sanctions will not be named until Tuesday, but the Council of the European Union said in a statement that it condemned "in the strongest terms the ongoing repression in Syria and the unacceptable violence used by the military and security forces against peaceful protesters which have lead to hundreds of fatalities".

"Those responsible for this violence should be held accountable. The EU expresses it condolences to the families of the victims and salutes the courage of the Syrian people."

It added: "The EU urges the Syrian authorities to respond to the legitimate demands of the Syrian people by launching an inclusive and genuine national dialogue and by implementing without delay and through a concrete timetable, meaningful political reforms."

"This is the only way to initiate a peaceful transition to democracy and provide stability for Syria in the long term."

On 10 May, the EU unveiled an asset freeze and visa ban on 13 top Syrian officials, including the president's younger brother, Maher al-Assad. He was described as "principal overseer" of the violence.

The Syrian government insists it is pursuing "armed terrorist gangs".

Meanwhile, the Syrian human rights lawyer, Anwar al-Bunni, was released from prison over the weekend. He was detained for his involvement with the Beirut-Damascus declaration, which urged improved ties with Lebanon, and given a five-year sentence in April 2007.

Mr Bunni told the AFP news agency on Monday: "My freedom is not really complete because there are still many others held in prison."

"I believe we are living a critical and interesting moment. Something like this happens every 200 or 300 years. Even if it stops now, it is obvious that there will be a big change," he added.

Syrian authorities set free human rights activist

Antara News, Mon, May 23 2011

Al-Bunni, who was sentenced to five years in jail by the criminal court on charges of spreading false news that might weaken the nation`s morals, has often called for democratic reforms in Syria and spoken out on behalf of detainees and Kurdish activists, the report said.

Damascus (ANTARA News/Xinhua-0ANA) - The Syrian authorities on Sunday released Anwar al-Bunni, a Syrian lawyer and human rights activist, after he finished the five-year jail term, local news website Day Press reported.

Al-Bunni, who was sentenced to five years in jail by the criminal court on charges of spreading false news that might weaken the nation`s morals, has often called for democratic reforms in Syria and spoken out on behalf of detainees and Kurdish activists, the report said.

Since he took office, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has freed some political prisoners and passed laws that aimed at liberalizing the state-controlled economy.

Syria has been in unrest for more than two months after the anti-government demonstrations broke out in the southern province of Daraa. The protests have spread to several other Syrian cities, leading to the death of dozens of protesters and policemen.

The country`s ruling Baath party, which has ruled the country for decades, has announced a package of reforms, including the increase of salaries and release of political detainees. (H-AK)

Editor: Ella Syafputri

UN condemns Sudanese army operations in Abyei

English.news.cn 2011-05-23

KHARTOUM, May 22 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council (UNSC) on Sunday condemned what it considered escalatory military operations undertaken by the Sudanese Armed Forces which have taken control of the country's disputed oil-rich area of Abyei.

In a statement issued in Khartoum, the UNSC called on the Sudan government to halt its military operations and withdraw immediately from Abyei town and its environs.

"The members of the UNSC condemn the attack by southern forces against a UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) convoy escorting Sudanese armed forces elements of Joint Integrated Units on May 19 in Abyei. The attack was not only a serious breach of the agreements between the parties, but also a criminal act against the UN mission and its personnel," the UNSC said in the statement.

Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Death sentence for Egyptian policeman

Officer convicted of shooting dead 20 protesters during upheaval that led to Mubarak's fall.

Aljazeera, 22 May 2011

Egyptians have continued to call for Mubarak-era officials to
face prosecution over protester deaths [EPA]

An Egyptian police officer convicted of killing 20 protesters during demonstrations that brought down Hosni Mubarak's government in February has been sentenced to death.

Mohamed Ibrahim Abdel-Monem was found guilty in his absence on Sunday of shooting dead "at random" 20 protesters on January 28, one of the most violent days of the uprising that lasted 18 days.

The criminal court in Cairo referred the case to the Grand Mufti, Egypt's religious authority who must approve all death sentences. Abdel-Monem has evaded capture and his present location is unknown.

The sentencing follows long jail terms given to Mubarak-era officials who have been found guilty of corruption in an ongoing campaign by the military-led government to address protesters' demands, including swift trial for people accused of wrongdoing.

Mubarak himself, his wife Suzanne and his powerful sons are being investigated for abuse of power and amassing illegally acquired wealth.

In May, Habib al-Adly, Egypt's former interior minister, was sentenced to 12 years in jail for money laundering and profiteering.

Al-Adly is accused of ordering police to fire upon pro-democracy protesters and is one of the most senior ministers from the former government to be put on trial.

Another former minister, Zoheir Garranah, who headed the tourism portfolio, was sentenced to five years after he was found guilty of handing out tourism licences illegally.

Dozens wounded as Moroccan police beat protestors

Reuters, by Adam Tanner and Souhail Karam, RABAT/CASABLANCA, Sun May 22, 2011

An injured protester gestures during a pro-democracy demonstration organised
 by the "February 20 Movement", who are demanding political reforms, in
Rabat May 22, 2011.  (REUTERS/Youssef Boudlal)

(Reuters) - Moroccan police beat dozens of protesters who defied a ban on demonstrations on Sunday, leading to several injuries and arrests, witnesses said.

The police violence appears to signal a tougher government line against the protest movement, which has become more defiant after festive demonstrations starting in February.

Some are also becoming more outspoken about criticising the king, but the protests have failed to match the scale of those in several other Arab countries.

"Protest is a legal right, why is the Makhzen afraid?" crowds in Casablanca chanted, referring to the royal court. "Makhzen get out. Down with despotism."

A Reuters correspondent saw seven riot police attacking one bearded man in his 30s, repeatedly hitting his head and body, causing severe bleeding.

"We have been called here to preserve order because of this unauthorised protest," said a senior police officer on the scene who declined to give his name.

Protestors wanted to camp in front of the parliament in Rabat, but authorities were anxious to avoid a repeat of the events in Cairo earlier this year when protesters occupying Tahrir Square eventually helped topple the government.

In both the capital Rabat and Casablanca, police armed with batons and shields moved people off the streets wherever they gathered. Protestors broke off into smaller groups, often with police chasing behind.

One prominent protest leader in Rabat who had been beaten the week before suffered severe concussion, said protester Jalal Makhfi. About six people were injured in Rabat, he said, but others said far more were hurt.

Demonstrators said police beat dozens in Casablanca.

"We are standing together for dignity," one protest leaflet said. "We are against despotism, against corruption. We are for dignity, freedom, democracy and social justice."

PROTESTS GATHERING FORCE

Long seen as a relatively moderate and stable state, Morocco has experienced increasing unrest this year inspired by successful uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt.

In recent months, protestors seeking more democratic rights and economic benefits have held several nationwide protests in the country of 32 million, resulting in at least six deaths.

Friday, a group of jobless graduates worked their way through a crowd to approach King Mohammed after he led Friday prayers and chanted "Your majesty, we want jobs." State television cut off a live broadcast as the slogans began.

The outburst was considered a daring breach of protocol in a country where the king's portrait adorns many shops and public spaces and many treat him with reverence. The king is also the commander of the faithful, the leader of Moroccan Muslims who is said to descend from the Prophet Mohammed.

The royal family has ruled Morocco since the 17th century and survived both French colonial rule and independence.

Morocco has the lowest per capita GDP in the Maghreb region that also includes Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria. Many live in poverty and nearly half of the population is illiterate.

In response to the public protests, the king announced in March that he would amend the constitution to allow more democratic rights. A commission is due to announce its draft constitution next month.

(Editing by Jon Hemming)