Rabat – Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has unequivocally thrown his support behind Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara, hailing it as the “sole credible solution” to the regional dispute.
This endorsement was made at the presentation ceremony for his latest book “Le temps des combats” in Rabat, attended by influential figures including the French Ambassador to Morocco Christophe Lecourtier and Advisor to King Mohammed VI Andre Azoulay.
Sarkozy’s remarks underscored the plan’s pivotal role in fostering openness and development in the region.
Only credible solution
Sarkozy highlighted France’s stance on the Sahara issue during his tenure, firmly asserting: “I have always considered that there is only one credible solution, namely the one proposed by Morocco.”
Expressing conviction in the region’s Moroccan identity, he advocated for openness and development, expressing hope that Europe would follow the lead of the United States in acknowledging this reality.
“I defended this idea during the reign of the late King Hassan II and also under the leadership of King Mohammed VI,” Sarkozy continued, lamenting the prolonged period of indecision which, in his view, contributes to increased instability and uncertainty.
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Acknowledging Morocco’s resilient economy and enduring stability, Sarkozy commended the nation for emerging as a significant influence on the continental stage.
He took the opportunity to express profound admiration for King Mohammed VI, whom he described as an “exceptional man” as a great, wise, and visionary leader.
Sarkozy emphasized that Morocco’s strength lies in its ability to reconcile identity and modernity, describing the country as a place where the question of identity represents openness rather than closure.
“It’s a country that respects its culture and history while embracing modernity. If there’s a place where the issue of identity is central, it’s here: it signifies openness, not closure,” he explained.
Highlighting Morocco’s successful integration into the modern world without compromising its lifestyle, traditions, and unique atmosphere, Sarkozy concluded that “Moroccans do not need to be told the importance of preserving a national identity.”
International backing
Sarkozy’s endorsement aligns with recent developments at the United Nations General Assembly, where a resolution reiterating support for the UN Security Council’s political process to resolve the Western Sahara dispute was adopted on December 11.
This resolution calls on all involved parties to collaborate fully with the UN Secretary-General and his personal envoy to find a political solution to the regional dispute, drawing on the Security Council’s resolutions since 2007.
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The Assembly underscored its support for the political process based on the 19 resolutions of the Security Council since 2007, with the aim of reaching a “just, lasting, and mutually acceptable” political solution.
The unchanged US position
Meanwhile, US Deputy Assistant Secretary Joshua Harris echoed support for Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal during an interview published by the US embassy in Algeria on December 9.
Harris underscored the US’ view of Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal as “serious, credible, and realistic,” presenting a potential avenue to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Western Sahara.
“The United States views Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal as serious, credible, and realistic, and one potential approach to satisfy the aspirations for the people of Western Sahara,” Harris stated. “Peace cannot be imposed by an outside actor. This is where the personal envoy Mr. de Mistura comes in, and how critically important the UN political process is to reach an enduring result. We need a personal envoy to succeed.”
He went on to caution against replicating unsuccessful political processes of the past, pointing out that the Security Council has been unequivocal in advocating for a spirit of realism and compromise.
Harris stressed the necessity for all concerned parties to reassess and potentially expand their positions to achieve a breakthrough in the negotiations.
Read also: Western Sahara: US Deputy Secretary Joshua Harris Visits Morocco, Algeria for Consultations
