Young socialist lawmakers voice support for Morocco’s territorial integrity

Young Socialist and Social Democratic lawmakers have expressed support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and the autonomy initiative as “the only basis for a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political situation” to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

The supportive stand was expressed in the Final declaration adopted by the third International Forum of Young Socialist and Social Democratic Parliamentarians, held May 2 – 3 in Marrakech.

“We support the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, which we regard as serious, credible, and realistic, and as the only basis for a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution,” highlighted the participating young MPs.

Any solution to the Moroccan Sahara issue must be “in full respect of Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” stressed the young parliamentarians from the four corners of the globe.

The Forum also expressed its support to the Atlantic Initiatives, led King Mohammed VI, considering these initiatives as a “model for regional integration and cooperation” since they aim to make the Atlantic a space for cooperation among African countries and to guarantee strategic access to the Atlantic Ocean for Sahel states.

The participants also reaffirmed the importance of Parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening multidimensional ties between peoples and in deepening South-South economic cooperation for “inclusive and sustainable” development.

They called for an increase in regional integration initiatives, particularly between Africa and Latin America, with a focus on solidarity, and sustainable development for the countries of the Global South.

The Final Declaration also stressed the need to rethink the multilateral system in order to ensure a just and lasting global peace, and reaffirmed the attachment to fundamental human rights, gender equality, as well as freedom of expression, opinion and association.

The Forum reiterated the commitment of young socialist and social democratic parliamentarians to fighting all forms of discrimination and oppression, to defending the values of democracy, solidarity and social justice and to working toward peace, security and stability across the world.

They also reaffirmed the “necessity of recognizing the State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as a prerequisite for a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace” in the Middle East.

The international forum, attended by over 120 parliamentarians from 35 countries, provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas, suggestions and experiences capable of improving political practice in their respective countries.

It was also an opportunity to stress the imperative of preserving the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of States.