Sahara: Luxembourg considers Autonomy Plan as a good basis for a mutually accepted solution

Luxembourg considers the autonomy plan, presented in 2007 by Morocco, as “a good basis for a solution accepted by the parties” regarding the Sahara issue.

This came in a joint statement issued after talks, Tuesday in Rabat, between Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn, who is on a working visit to Morocco, and his Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita.

In this sense, Asselborn reiterated Luxembourg’s long-standing support for the process led by the United Nations for a political solution that is realistic, pragmatic, sustainable and mutually acceptable to the parties.

According to the joint statement, Morocco and Luxembourg agree on the exclusivity of the UN in the political process and reaffirm their support for UN Security Council Resolution 2602 which noted the role and responsibility of the parties in the search for a realistic, pragmatic, sustainable and compromise-based political solution.

The two ministers also welcomed the appointment of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General, Staffan De Mistura, and reaffirmed their support for his efforts to advance the political process on the basis of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

During a joint conference held after the meeting, Nasser Bourita stressed “the quantitative and qualitative dynamics” in Europe around the autonomy plan, presented in 2007 by Morocco to resolve the artificial dispute over the Sahara.

“At least a dozen European countries have clearly expressed their positive appreciation of the autonomy initiative,” said Bourita, citing as an instance Portugal, Spain, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Germany, Cyprus, Romania, Hungary and Serbia.

This dynamic around the autonomy plan is also noted in other regions of the world. The Minister recalled in this regard the “strong, visible and constant support” of many Arab and African countries, and that of the United States, whose position is “a turning point in this issue.”

In addition, Bourita said that this momentum, which is the result of the vision and involvement of King Mohammed VI, is important at three levels.

It is important, first, because Europe is a legalist voice that other parts of the world listen to and that does not constitute an emotional reaction. It follows a thoughtful evolution, noted at the level of several countries, he said.

Secondly, because “Europe is close to the regional dispute. It knows its genesis, its cost and the importance of a pragmatic and realistic solution,” said Bourita.

This dynamic is also important because it helps the efforts of the United Nations, and those of the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Staffan De Mistura, to achieve the Security Council’s call for a realistic and achievable solution, based on compromise.

“This momentum around the Moroccan autonomy initiative can, thus, constitute the prelude to action at the international level to finally find a final solution to this regional dispute, in full respect of the territorial sovereignty and national unity of the Kingdom of Morocco,” said Bourita.