September 25 (EUROPA PRESS) –
Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Ajanuch stressed on Tuesday before the UN General Assembly that the solution to the conflict in Western Sahara lies in supporting the Moroccan autonomy plan, a proposal rejected by the Polisario Front and which divides the international community.
“Morocco is fully committed to a peaceful solution to the conflicts. We are doing everything possible to ensure a peaceful solution to the issue of the Moroccan Sahara, starting from the initiative of autonomy and within the framework of Morocco’s sovereignty in order to strengthen development in the region as well,” he said during his speech.
In this regard, he stressed that several countries, including Spain, France and the United States, have shown their support for his initiative in what he considers a “clear message” for the UN to “act” to provide a political solution based on his proposal.
Ajanuch has also expressed his support for the reestablishment of political round tables to resolve the conflict, and has promised that “there will be no political process beyond these tables” established under the parameters of the UN and which included the participation of Algeria, one of the main detractors of the Moroccan autonomy plan.
“There will be no solution if there is no ceasefire agreed by the armed militias. The reality of the Moroccan Sahara is reflected in the evolution of economic growth, which is also reflected in a plan that we have for the provinces. The inhabitants of the region participate fully in political life through their democratically elected representatives. This demonstrates the territorial integrity and the Moroccan character of the Sahara,” he added.
He then expressed his solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese people in the face of the recent Israeli attacks, and stated that peace in the region depends on the recognition of a Palestinian state with its capital in East Jerusalem.
The former Spanish colony of Western Sahara was occupied by Morocco in 1975 despite resistance from the Polisario Front, with which it remained at war until 1991 when both sides signed a ceasefire with a view to holding a referendum on self-determination. Differences over the preparation of the census and whether or not to include Moroccan settlers have so far prevented its convening.
The latest setback for the Sahrawis was the Spanish government’s support for the Moroccan autonomy plan, a change of position described as treason by the Polisario, which points out that Spain is still ‘de jure’ the administering power of Western Sahara.
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