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French Foreign Ministry Reaffirms Support for Morocco's Western Sahara Autonomy Plan
French Foreign Ministry Reaffirms Support for Morocco's Western Sahara Autonomy Plan
The French Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday evening that France's support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara is a "natural" stance, emphasizing a "consensus" on the initiative proposed by Morocco in 2007. This statement was made during a reception hosted by the Moroccan embassy in Paris, celebrating the 25th anniversary of King Mohammed VI's accession to the throne.
Sigourney, representing the French Foreign Ministry, reiterated that "France, clearly and consistently, has always recognized the existential importance of Western Sahara for Morocco. We have always supported the Kingdom on this issue related to national security."
These sentiments were echoed in a letter from French President Emmanuel Macron to King Mohammed VI, shared by Rabat on Tuesday. Macron stated that the Moroccan proposal "constitutes the only basis for reaching a just and political solution, in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council."
Sigourney further quoted President Macron: "The present and future of Western Sahara are included within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty."
Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, is largely controlled by Morocco, which proposes a plan for self-rule under its sovereignty. However, the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, has been demanding full sovereignty and calls for a self-determination referendum, as established by a 1991 UN ceasefire agreement. The United Nations considers the region, which is rich in fish resources and phosphate reserves, a "non-self-governing territory."
"We support the efforts of the Union," Sigourney continued, stressing the need for renewed integration, cooperation, and prosperity in the Maghreb region, based on the socio-economic development of the Sahara.
Paris pledged to use "all means at its disposal to support Morocco in this development policy."
The French Foreign Ministry also paid tribute to King Mohammed VI for the "progress and significant achievements" Morocco has made under his leadership, highlighting the "unique friendship" between the French and Moroccan peoples.
"We will stand by Morocco, whenever it wishes, to support it in its most ambitious projects," Sigourney added.
Samira Sitail, Morocco's ambassador to Paris, noted the current "management phase" in the bilateral relations between the two countries, emphasizing ongoing cooperation and mutual support.
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