France reaffirms support for autonomy plan in Sahara
France’s support for the autonomy initiative to end the regional dispute over the Sahara remains “clear and steady” said French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna.
Colonna made the statement at a news conference in Rabat with her Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita after talks that raised the means to bolster ties.
“Regarding the Moroccan autonomy plan, our position is favorable to Morocco. We have demonstrated it at the United Nations, even when we were a bit alone in wanting to advance some ideas,” said the French top diplomat.
“France’s position is clear and steady,” she insisted, recalling that her country supports the ceasefire and the efforts of UN Secretary General’s personal envoy Staffan de Mistura.
“We wish for the resumption of negotiations between the parties for a just and realistic solution,” she added, stressing the constancy of France’s position, in particular that concerning “the renewal of Minurso’s mandate, which was appreciated by Morocco.”
“We are not going to change and Morocco knows that it can count on the support of France”, she affirmed.
“It is fundamental for countries of the region who are well-versed in the issue to be able to contribute” to settling the Sahara issue, said Nasser Bourita.
France has always supported the autonomy plan but Spain’s support is so far the most outspoken within Europe in considering the autonomy plan “the only solution” to the Sahara issue.
Bourita made it clear that Morocco was not advocating a solution that is outside the UN framework. However, he noted that “the process is not an end in itself. The process should lead to a solution.”
During their talks, the two ministers discussed the upcoming visit to Morocco by President Emmanuel Macron. They also expressed convergence of views on a range of regional issues including the situation in Sub-Saharan Africa, climate change, fighting extremism, energy transition and sustainable development.
This is Colonna’s first visit to Morocco since she became member of the French cabinet in May.
