Morocco's Justice and Charity group rejects dialogue invitation

Sheikh Mohammed Abbadi (R) says Morocco's Islamist government has failed Head of banned Moroccan Islamist opposition group Justice and Charity has rejected Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane's invitation for dialogue to settle their differences. In a press statement, Sheikh Mohammed Abbadi says that just like previous regimes, Morocco's current coalition government cannot ban his group, adding that his lawyers have written to Moroccan Interior Minister Mohand Laenser and Justice Minister Mustapha Ramid to resolve any outstanding issues peacefully.
The Islamist leader refuses any attempts by the state to mediate and achieve reconciliation, saying that such talks only take place between foes, while the Justice and Charity association is a "peaceful social movement."
Commenting on the performance of Morocco's ruling Justice and Development Party, Abbadi claims that the government has failed to meet the needs of the Moroccan people. He adds that only wholesale reform would help achieve national stability and preserve Moroccan freedom and dignity.
The Sheikh calls for the establishment of a new political regime based on principles of justice, dignity and human rights, and urges the ruling parties to respect the will of the people and ensure "a peaceful transfer of power."
Abbadi denies reports that the Islamist group intends to relaunch itself as a national political party under the current set-up, and claims that he does not have to respond to the legal and political challenges facing the group.
He argues that Justice and Charity is legally recognised by Moroccan authorities and he has documents to prove the organisation's political standing.
Abbadi says that the group's resilience to stand up to the authorities has strengthened its relations with the Moroccan people.
Founded by Sheikh Abdesslam Yassine in 1981, Justice and Charity advocates the transformation of Morocco into an Islamist state, and works for the Islamisation of the whole society, through its grassroots social welfare organisations and presence in universities.
The group is banned from active political participation in Morocco.