Morocco's new Prime Minister Benkirane gives first interview to AA

RABAT (A.A) - December 1, 2011 - The head of Moroccan Justice and Development Party and new Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane said Thursday that their priorities were "facilitating stability, protecting the monarchy and making reforms that the country needs". In an exclusive interview with the Anadolu Agency (AA), Benkirane said that he wanted to begin his words by saluting the Turkish people and the Turkish ruling political party that carried the same name as theirs. Our historic achievement and winning 107 seats in the parliament took place due to the Moroccan people's demand for change, Benkirane stressed. Our political party was always in opposition and demanded change. Now, we have an opportunity to make the change, Benkirane noted. With God's will, we will be successful, Benkirane said. "Jobs, education and health are Morocco's primary problems. Our first aim is to develop democracy and have good management. Thanks to God, we have entered an era of democracy. I am now busy trying to form the new government," Benkirane said. "We mentioned raising the minimum wage after a considerable amount of time. What must be done is good management. Such management would bring foreign investments and lead to an increase in minimum wages," Benkirane emphasized. Evaluating the 'Arab Spring' and its reflection on Morocco, Benkirane said that certain demonstrations took place in Morocco. "But thank God, the (violent) events that took place in Tunisia and Egypt did not take place in Morocco. A good administration will respond to the demands of the Moroccan people. Demonstrations in Morocco are legal and the people's demand for demonstration can not be rejected," Benkirane stressed. Asked about his thoughts on the Turkish model, Benkirane said that they admired the Turkish model and hoped that they would have a Moroccan model. The Justice and Development Party was firstly established in Morocco. If the Justice and Development Party succeeded in Turkey, so can Morocco's Justice and Development Party, Benkirane underlined. Turkey's stance on Syria is the one adopted by the global community. Everybody talks about the need to end bloodshed in Syria. We need to congratulate Turkey and extend support to Turkey's decisions on Syria, Benkirane said. Benkirane is expected to rule for a period of 5 years. Benkirane is holding talks with the political parties of Morocco for a coalition government. He is expected to form his cabinet in two weeks.