Moroccan king appoints Islamist cabinet

From Al Arabiya:

Benkirane

Morocco's King Mohammed on Tuesday appointed members of a new power-sharing cabinet, the official MAP news agency reported, more than a month after the Nov. 25 elections in which the moderate Islamist Justice and Development Party won the biggest share of seats in the parliament.

“The king named the members of the new government at the royal palace in Rabat,” an official said.

On Nov. 29, King Mohammed appointed PJD leader Abdelilah Benkirane as prime minister-designate after the moderate Islamist party won a Nov. 25 parliamentary election.

The Islamist Justice and Development Party took 11 of 31 cabinet posts, including foreign affairs, justice, and transportation and communication.

While a new constitution gives the new Prime Minister Benkirane unprecedented powers, the king still holds final veto over any of his decisions.

In a Q&A on their website, the PJD indicated that it would not be as friendly towards Israel as Morocco had been, with unofficial and economic ties.