Morocco’s territorial integrity & sovereignty over its Sahara NOT negotiable

Morocco has reaffirmed that its territorial integrity and full sovereignty over its entire Saharan Territory are RED LINES and NOT NEGOTIABLE, sending a strong message to Algeria, Polisario and UN Sahara envoy Staffan de Mistura.

Morocco’s unwavering stand on the Sahara was voiced Monday by foreign minister Nasser Bourita at a press briefing held in Rabat following his talks with Estonian peer Margus Tsahkna.

“The Sahara, Morocco’s unity and territorial integrity have never been on the negotiating table, nor the subject of agreements or compromises”, said Bourita.

“Morocco, as affirmed by King Mohammed VI, is not negotiating its Sahara, nor its sovereignty over this territory, or its national unity, but rather a regional conflict with a neighboring country”, added the minister in a comment on press reports citing a proposal of Staffan de Mistura floating the idea of dividing the Sahara territory.

Morocco had already rejected categorically in 2002 the “partition plan” submitted by former UN Sahara envoy James Baker, on a proposal from Algeria, underlined Bourita.

Morocco had informed de Mistura that “such ideas are rejected and are not discussed at all”, said the minister, stressing that the Kingdom will never accept such proposals which are at odds with the unanimous stand of all Moroccans on the Moroccanness of the Sahara.

Bourita also responded to de Mistura’s remarks suggesting that the Kingdom should give more details on the Moroccan autonomy initiative, saying this initiative enjoys a growing international support because it offers a lasting solution which is gaining momentum, as evidenced by the opening of several consulates in the Saharan cities of Laayoune and Dakhla.

However, this initiative sets red lines that must not be crossed and when the other parties express their willingness to engage in the process, it will then be time to discuss the issues to be detailed, affirmed the minister.

At the 79th session of UN General Assembly, Head of Govt. Aziz Akhannouch delivered Morocco’s address reiterating the Kingdom’s firm attachment to a lasting political solution based exclusively on the autonomy plan offered by Morocco to the Sahara under its sovereignty.

He also cited King Mohammed VI’s remarks saying: “No political process is possible outside the framework of the round tables defined by the UN, with the full participation of Algeria, nor any solution outside the framework of the Moroccan autonomy initiative, or any serious political process without the return of the armed militias to the ceasefire” as demanded by the Security Council.