King Mohammed VI on Saturday insisted that Morocco will not engage with those who display vague or ambivalent positions about its territorial integrity in any economic or commercial approach that would exclude the Moroccan Sahara.
In a speech to the nation to mark the 46th anniversary of the Green March, the monarch reaffirmed Morocco’s adherence to a political settlement, under the aegis of the United Nations, to the issue of the Moroccan Sahara, whose Moroccanness “was – and never will be – on the negotiating table.”
“I also reiterate our commitment to a peaceful solution, our adherence to the ceasefire, and our intention to continue our coordination and cooperation with the MINURSO, within the remit of its specified mandate,” the Sovereign pointed out in a speech on the occasion of the 46th anniversary of the Green March.
The Monarch seized this occasion to reaffirm to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres, and his Personal Envoy, Morocco’s full support for the efforts the UN Chief is making to reactivate the political process as soon as possible.
The King stressed, in this regard, the need to abide by the frame of reference mentioned in the Security Council resolutions since 2007 and applied in the meetings held in Geneva under UN auspices.
The Sovereign noted that Morocco is negotiating in order to reach a peaceful solution to this artificial regional dispute.
The Monarch, who underlined that the positive dynamic characterizing the evolution of Morocco’s national cause cannot be stopped, pointed out that the Moroccanness of the Sahara is an immutable and indisputable fact, be it on account of history, legitimacy, the strong will of the Moroccan people or broad recognition by the international community.
The King recalled that in recent months, there have been quiet, tangible developments in the defense of Morocco’s Saharan territories, praising, in this regard, the Royal Armed Forces which secured the freedom of movement of persons and goods at the Guerguerat crossing between Morocco and the sister nation of Mauritania, on 13 November 2020.
“That peaceful and nonetheless resolute action put an end to serious provocations and aggressions to which Morocco had drawn the attention of the international community, underscoring the risks those acts posed to security and stability in the region,” the Sovereign underlined.
While expressing his appreciation for the tangible and growing support the National Cause has received, the Monarch valued the sovereign decision of the United States of America, whereby it has recognized Morocco’s full sovereignty over its Sahara.
“This is a natural consequence of the continuous support provided by previous US Administrations and an illustration of the United States’ constructive role in the settlement of this issue,” the King said.
“This trend reinforces the irreversible character of the political process for the achievement of a final solution, based on the autonomy initiative, within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty,” the Sovereign added.
King Mohammed VI hailed countries and groups which are linked to Morocco by conventions and partnerships and for which Morocco’s southern provinces constitute an integral part of the national territory.
“On the other hand, to those who display vague or ambivalent positions, we declare that Morocco will not engage with them in any economic or commercial approach that would exclude the Moroccan Sahara,” he said, stressing that “we consider that the democratically, freely and responsibly elected councils in the provinces and regions of the Sahara are the true legitimate representatives of the local population.”
Moreover, the Monarch noted that the opening of consulates in the cities of Laayoune and Dakhla by more than 24 countries, particularly from the Arab world and Africa, confirms broad support for Morocco’s position.
This is the best legal and diplomatic answer to those who claim that the recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara is not explicit or tangible, the King stressed.
“We believe we have every right, today, to expect bolder and clearer stances on the part of our partners regarding the territorial integrity of our country,” the Sovereign pointed out.
Such positions would not only contribute to bolstering the political course of action, but they would also support the efforts made to achieve a final, feasible solution, the King said.
