WASHINGTON — Senior US Senator John McCain on Friday hailed pledges by Morocco's King Mohammed VI to pursue sweeping reforms and urged "tireless" support from Washington to help enact his agenda.
"This new reform agenda builds on the king's long-standing commitment to lead Morocco to a future of reform and modernization, and it could ensure that the Kingdom of Morocco will continue to stand as a positive example to governments across the Middle East and North Africa," said McCain.
The king announced plans for constitutional reform and real powers for a popularly-elected prime minister instead of a royal appointee in a rare national address late Wednesday that comes after protests demanding change.
"I support the aspirations of the Moroccan people for greater democracy, economic opportunity, and rule of law," McCain, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a statement.
"In the weeks and months ahead, the United States must be vigilant and tireless in our support for the government and people of Morocco in transforming the King's vision of reform into a reality that improves the lives of all Moroccans," said the lawmaker.
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