Moroccan king, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, has commended the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for adopting a resolution supporting Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, describing it as a “historic change.”
The UNSC, in a United States-drafted text, on Friday called for the parties to engage in negotiations based on an autonomy plan first presented by Morocco to the UN in 2007.
According to the resolution, a genuine autonomy for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty could be the most feasible solution to Rabat’s 50-year conflict with the Algeria-backed Polisario Front.
In a rare televised address, King Mohamed VI welcomed the Security Council’s support of its autonomy plan, adding that “it is a pivotal moment and a crucial turning point in the history of modern Morocco.”
“After 50 years of sacrifices, and with the help and guidance of the Almighty, we are starting a new chapter in the process of consolidating the Moroccanness of the Sahara, and closing, once and for all, this fabricated conflict, within the framework of a consensual solution based on the Autonomy Initiative.
“It is, indeed, a source of pride that this historic change should coincide with the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Green March, and the 70th anniversary of Morocco’s independence.
“Today, by the grace of the Almighty, we are on the cusp of a decisive phase at the international level. Indeed, the Security Council resolution has laid out the principles and foundations for the achievement of a final political solution to this conflict, within the framework of Morocco’s legitimate rights.
“In light of this UN resolution, Morocco will update and detail its Autonomy Initiative, then submit it to the United Nations to serve as the sole basis for negotiation, given that it is the only realistic, viable solution.
“I wish, in this regard, to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation to all the countries that have contributed to bringing about this change, thanks to their constructive stances and tireless efforts in support of right and legitimacy.
“I would like to mention, in particular, the United States of America, under the leadership of our friend His Excellency President Donald Trump, whose efforts have paved the way for a final settlement of this conflict.”
The Monarch added that “ I also wish to thank our friends in Britain, Spain, and especially France, for their efforts to ensure the success of this peaceful process.My sincere thanks also go to all the Arab and African sister nations that have consistently expressed their unwavering and unconditional support for the Moroccan Sahara.
“I also thank all countries around the world which back the Autonomy Initiative,” he noted.
Although Friday’s vote by the Security Council was divided, it was the strongest endorsement yet for Rabat’s plan to keep sovereignty over the territory.
The UN resolution said that genuine autonomy for Western Sahara under Morocco might be the most feasible solution to the longstanding conflict.
The Western Sahara has been the scene of Africa’s longest-running territorial dispute since the departure of colonial power Spain in 1975.
Morocco considers the territory its own while the Algeria-backed Polisario Front wants to establish an independent state called the Sahrawi Republic.
The UN resolution called for the parties to engage in negotiations based on Rabat’s autonomy plan, which also has backing from most European Union nations and a growing number of African countries.
The United States, which sponsored the resolution, led 11 countries in voting in favour, while three countries — Russia, China, and Pakistan – abstained. Algeria, did not vote.
As with similar resolutions in previous years, the text makes no mention of a referendum on self-determination that includes independence as an option.
