Morocco King Notes 35th Anniversary

Marking his 35th anniversary on the throne Sunday, King Hassan II announced plans to give Morocco more democracy by creating a Parliament and introducing other unspecified reforms.

Hassan said he would propose a constitutional amendment later this year to create a two-chamber Parliament which would allow different parties, regions, professional groups and unions a greater say in decision-making.

Hassan is head of state and appoints his own prime minister and ministers, who are responsible only to him.

Hassan became king in 1961, succeeding his father, Mohammad I. The North African country won independence from France in 1956.