On 21 June 2011, the Parliament of Morocco was the first to benefit from Partner for Democracy status with PACE, established in 2010 to strengthen institutional co-operation with the parliaments of non-member states in neighbouring regions wishing to benefit from the experience of the Council of Europe in the field of democratic reform, and to take part in the political debate on common challenges that transcend European boundaries.
During his visit, Mr Volontè will take stock of the progress made in fulfilling the political undertakings made by the Parliament of Morocco, set out in PACE Resolution 1818 (2011). In particular, he will discuss with his interlocutors the advance of the political reforms set in motion by Morocco and co-operation with the Council of Europe.
The rapporteur is expected to meet the President of the Chamber of Councillors, the President of the Chamber of Representatives, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Co-operation (or his representative), the Minister of the Interior (or his representative), the Minister of Justice and Freedoms, and the Minister for Solidarity, Women's and Family Affairs and Social Development.
Talks are also scheduled with various parliamentary committees, the members of the Moroccan delegation to PACE, as well as the President of the National Human Rights Council and the President of the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA).
