[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 77 (Thursday, May 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E897]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      SUSPEND MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION FUNDING FOR MOROCCO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FRANK R. WOLF

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2010

  Mr. WOLF. Madam Speaker, I would like to draw the attention of my 
colleagues to the following letter I sent to Secretary of State Hillary 
Rodham Clinton asking that the Millennium Challenge Corporation compact 
with Morocco be suspended in light of Morocco's deportation of 
Americans and other foreign nationals without due process.

                                     House of Representatives,

                                     Washington, DC, May 19, 2010.
     Hon. Hillary Rodham Clinton,
     Secretary of State,
     Washington DC.
       Dear Secretary Clinton: I write today to express my grave 
     concern regarding the recent deportation of approximately 40 
     American citizens from Morocco without due process, which I 
     believe calls into question the continuance of Morocco's 
     Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) funding.
       In September 2008, the clock started for the official five-
     year period for project implementation under the MCC Compact 
     with Morocco. The United States has pledged $697.5 million in 
     assistance to the Kingdom of Morocco through this Compact. As 
     a precondition to receiving MCC funds, the government of 
     Morocco was evaluated on 17 key indicators of eligibility, 
     six of which fall under the category of ``ruling justly.'' I 
     submit, however, that these recent events raise valid 
     questions regarding the Moroccan government's willingness to 
     abide by the principles outlined in the MCC indicators.
       In early March, the Moroccan government deported 
     approximately 40 U.S. citizens and scores of other foreign 
     nationals for allegedly proselytizing, which is against 
     Moroccan law. However, authorities presented no evidence or 
     explanation of the proselytizing allegations. Among the 
     individuals who were deported or denied reentry were 
     businessmen, educators, and humanitarian and social workers. 
     Many of these individuals have resided in Morocco for over a 
     decade in full compliance with Moroccan law.
       Additionally, those deported were forced to leave the 
     country within two hours of being questioned by authorities, 
     leaving all their belongings behind. The manner in which 
     these expulsions were carried out and the Moroccan 
     government's refusal to grant those affected with a hearing 
     flies in the face of the principles of due process. 
     Furthermore, the manner in which authorities expelled these 
     individuals violates not only the general principles of 
     international law but Moroccan law, as well.
       The mandate of the MCC is based on the assumption that 
     ``aid is most effective when it reinforces good governance.'' 
     Rather than making strides toward accountable and democratic 
     governance since receiving the MCC grant, Morocco has 
     regressed. Freedom House's annual Freedom in the World Report 
     noted backsliding in Morocco ``due to the increased 
     concentration of power in the hands of political elites 
     aligned with the monarchy'' over the course of the last year.
       At a time when the United States owes more in debts and 
     commitments than the total combined net worth of all 
     Americans, it is unacceptable to provide $697.5 million in 
     taxpayer dollars to a nation which blatantly disregards the 
     rights of American citizens residing in Morocco and forcibly 
     expels American citizens without due process of law.
       The decision to suspend a MCC Compact due to a significant 
     deterioration in good governance is not unprecedented. At my 
     urging, the Board chose to suspend the MCC Compact with 
     Nicaragua due to the violence and blatant thuggery exhibited 
     by the regime of President Daniel Ortega surrounding the 
     November 2008 elections.
       The United States must send a message to the Moroccan 
     government that it is unacceptable to expel American citizens 
     without due process under the law. I ask that you withhold 
     Morocco's MCC funding until the government of Morocco 
     demonstrates that it is willing to follow its own laws thus 
     ensure that those expelled receive a fair trial and work 
     toward a mutually acceptable solution to this matter.
       Thank you for your attention to this matter and I look 
     forward to your prompt response.
           Sincerely,
                                                    Frank R. Wolf,
                                               Member of Congress.

     

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