Morocco's King Mohammed VI has announced proposals for constitutional amendments in a landmark speech.

The king said the proposals would entrench democratic institutions, protect human rights, and guarantee freedom of expression.

They would also give the prime minister and parliament more executive powers and make Berber an official language in Morocco, alongside Arabic.

The proposals will be put to a referendum on 1 July.

The king promised in March to introduce "comprehensive constitutional reform" after anti-government protests inspired by those elsewhere in the region.

Despite the pledge, thousands of pro-democracy protesters have continued to hold demonstrations.

Many activists have been sceptical about the king's promises of change, saying Morocco's 400-year-old monarchy has a long history of enacting superficial reforms.

The proposals were drawn up by a reform panel appointed by King Mohammed.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13816974