Moroccan gov't promises new development projects for restive eastern region

RABAT, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Moroccan Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani said on Thursday that the government is working on new development programs for the eastern city of Jerada.

Jerada has witnessed a wave of protests for nearly two weeks after the death of two brothers while they were digging in an abandoned mine 80 meters below ground.

The protesters have called for justice for the dead and demanded job opportunities and "economic alternative."

"Old promises of development will be fulfilled and new programs for the city's residents will be implemented to help them find decent jobs and live in dignity," the Moroccan prime minister said in a statement during his cabinet weekly meeting.

The city of Jerada had been growing on the back of flourishing mining activities since 1920s, but it suffered a major blow in late 1990s after state-owned coal mines that employed thousands of local people were forced to close down due to rising digging costs and declining coal prices.

However, many local residents have continued illegal mining in the abandoned mines. Enditem