Polisario suffers another diplomatic setback in Uruguay

Polisario Chief Brahim Ghali has not been invited to the inauguration of center-right president of Uruguay Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou, marking a new era for this Latin American country after 15 years of left-wing rule.

The exclusion of the leaders of the Algeria-backed separatist group from attending the presidential swear-in ceremony in Montevideo comes after Pacific Island countries voiced strong support to Morocco’s territorial integrity, while the list of African countries opening diplomatic missions in Moroccan Sahara is getting longer.

Morocco was represented in the inauguration of the new Uruguayan President by Speaker of the House of Advisors, Hakim Benchamach. He was received by Mr. Lacalle Pou who voiced his willingness and readiness to develop relations of cooperation with Morocco.

The remarks confirm the rapprochement between Rabat and Montevideo to the great displeasure of the polisario secessionists, who are armed, funded and sheltered by Algeria.

As Uruguay shifts to right with the new president after a 15-year string of left-leaning governments, experts expect radical changes in the country’s foreign policy, including its stand regarding the self-proclaimed Sahrawi republic (SADR) which has already been abandoned by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Peru, El Salvador, Bolivia, Barbados…

Uruguay will surely follow suit as the majority of Latin American countries support Morocco’s territorial integrity and the UN-led exclusive political process for a lasting resolution of the Sahara regional conflict.