Fighting poverty in Morocco Through the Green Plan and Millennium Challenge Account, Morocco is currently redoubling its efforts to introduce modern, sustainable agricultural methods and high-value crops, which are expected to increase agricultural productivity and income, particularly for small farms and reduce poverty. The Kingdom of Morocco is entirely committed to increasing rural income through agricultural development. Moroccans from all walks of life from the actual Minister of Agriculture on down who recognize the importance of conquering rural poverty, know that it will take time and money, and are willing to make the necessary sacrifices. Algeria oil minister out in gov't reshuffle The Algerian president made a surprise Cabinet reshuffle on Friday, kicking out his longtime ally Chakib Khelil, a former OPEC chief, from the Energy Ministry amid a growing corruption scandal in the North African country's oil and natural gas industries. Telecommunications Minister Hamid Bessalah, and Commerce Minister Hachemi Djaaboub, both embroiled in a business struggle, were also replaced, the office for President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said in a statement late Friday –the middle of the weekend in Algeria. Tunisia targets integration Abdelhamid Triki, Secretary of State in charge of International Co-operation and Foreign Investment, took part on Thursday in the works of the 2010 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. Chairmen of African organizations such as the African Union, the Economic Commission for Africa, and representatives of international and regional financial institutions, took part in the event. This year's works were marked by the re-election of incumbent AfDB Chairman, Mr. Donald Kaberuka for a second term and the election of the Bank's board members whose number went up from 18 to 20. Sudan suggests Libya will not expel Darfur JEM leader The Sudanese government appeared resigned to the presence of a Darfur rebel leader in Libya despite attempts to have him evicted. Khalil Ibrahim, the head of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) rebel group fighting in Darfur was banned from entering Chad last week and had his passports destroyed in a major blow to his movement which has used the country as a base for its troops and a transit point for its officials over the last few years. US defends attending Sudan leader's inauguration The Obama administration is defending its decision to send a representative to the inauguration of Sudan's president, who won re-election despite facing an international arrest warrant for war crimes. Omar al-Bashir was sworn in Thursday to another five-year term. Among those in attendance was a U.S. foreign service officer. The State Department notes that the inauguration also was for a vice president, Salva Kiir, from the largest party representing southern Sudan. BM
