(Euronews: 1153 PST, March 10, 2011) France has praised the King of Morocco for announcing wide-ranging reforms it called "important, responsible, and brave." Mohamed VI promised an independent judiciary, a stronger role for parliament and political parties and a programme to devolve more power to local officials.

The speech also appeared to go down well on the streets. "It was a speech of the future and for the future of Morocco, hand in hand with all Moroccans. We are united for the development of the country," said one reveller after the address.

(Euronews: 0600 PST, February 8, 2011) On day 15, activists in Cairo's Tahrir Square have called fresh protests to mark the start of their third week of uprising against President Mubarak's rule. He still looks unlikely to resign but his government has offered concessions such as a pay rise for public sector workers. Constitutional changes are also on the agenda, according to Vice President Omar Suleiman who said today that Egypt has a roadmap for the peaceful transfer of power. But demonstrators want Mubarak to go now.