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Rabat – Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita on Tuesday described an unauthorized entry attempt by four European Parliament Members into Laayoune as “agitation with no impact” on the country’s sovereignty over its southern provinces.
Speaking at a press conference in Rabat following talks with Cape Verde’s Foreign Minister, Bourita stressed that Morocco exercises full sovereignty over its southern provinces, just as it does across its entire national territory.
Bourita said that “the Kingdom, including its southern provinces, welcomes millions of tourists annually, along with official delegations and representatives.”
In this context, he referred to the French Senate President Gerard Larcher’s visit to Laayoune on Monday as an example of properly conducted official visits.
Bourita further explained that Morocco, like all countries, has established clear organizational procedures for any visit, whether official, touristic, or for specific missions, which must comply with existing regulations and laws.
“Anyone respecting these rules is welcome,” Morocco’s Foreign Minister added, noting that “the law applies to those who attempt to violate them, as is the case in other countries.”
Authorities did not specify the nationality of the European lawmakers or provide further details about the circumstances of their attempted entry.
Read also: France’s Top MP Calls Southern Provinces a Regional ‘Success Model’
The incident comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions regarding Western Sahara, with Morocco securing growing international support for its sovereignty over the southern provinces.
Although provocations come from Algeria and the Polisario separatist front, a growing number of countries have endorsed Morocco’s position on the Western Sahara dispute, supporting the country’s territorial integrity.
The North African country is winning the diplomatic question internationally, with the latest pivotal position from France to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara on July 30, 2024.
This position has ignited diplomatic tensions between Paris and Algiers, with the latter being upset as it found itself losing one of its historical allies.
In response to Paris’ newfound position, which Larcher described on his visit to Morocco’s Laayoune as “not hostile to anyone,” Algeria recalled its ambassador to France, condemning the decision as being against international law.
Larcher again renewed his country’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara.
Read also: International Support for Morocco’s Territorial Integrity Grows Stronger
