Spain says Morocco’s autonomy plan for Sahara most serious, realistic and credible solution

Spain said it supports Morocco’s autonomy initiative as “the most serious, realistic and credible” basis for settling the Sahara issue and pointed out that it is keen is to build with the North African country, “a great friend and ally” a new relationship, based on transparency, and mutual respect.

This came in a message from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to King Mohammed VI, the Royal Palace said in a statement.

Sanchez said “he recognizes the importance of the Sahara issue for Morocco.”

The new position indicates a step forward by Spain to mend ties with Morocco after it has maintained connivance with Algeria and the Polisario.

Ties worsened after Spain disregarded the close ties with Morocco by receiving Polisario leader for medical treatment under a false identity to help him evade justice.

Morocco has recalled its ambassador to Spain and asked Madrid to refrain from its double-face.

“Our goal is to build a new relationship, based on transparency and permanent communication, mutual respect and agreements signed by both parties, as well as to refrain from any unilateral action, commensurate with the importance of everything we share,” Sanchez said.

“Spain will act with the absolute transparency that corresponds to a great friend and ally”. “I assure you that Spain will always keep its commitments and its word”, Sanchez said

Sanchez reiterated his “determination to face together the common challenges, especially the cooperation for the management of migratory flows in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, always acting in a spirit of full cooperation”.

“All these actions will be undertaken with the aim of guaranteeing the stability and territorial integrity of both countries”, he said.