Rabat – In his speech to the nation commemorating his 20th year in power, the King addressed a central issue for Morocco; Western Sahara.
King Mohammed VI took the opportunity to reaffirm Morocco’s unwavering position on the question of its territorial integrity. Morocco will accept no solution that throws doubt over its sovereignty in Western Sahara.
He said, “the celebration of the glorious Throne Day is a most fitting occasion to reiterate our unwavering commitment to the Moroccanness of the Sahara, to our national unity and territorial integrity, and to full sovereignty over every inch of the Kingdom’s territory.”
On the same subject, the King expressed satisfaction with Morocco’s achievements at the international level. He cited its partnerships and dialogues with the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union.
In his speech, King Mohammed recalled that the United Nations, the only legitimate body responsible to find a political solution to the conflict, has acknowledged Morocco’s commitment towards finding a pragmatic and fair settlement to the conflict.
The UN Security Council has repeatedly drawn attention to Morocco’s Autonomy Plan, submitted to the UN in 2007. The council has acknowledged the viability of the initiative as a political solution to the conflict.
The Autonomy Plan is part of Morocco’s ongoing plan, to build a democratic and modern society based on the rule of law, individual, collective, and economic freedoms, as well as social development in the region.
In his speech, the King also highlighted to Morocco’s partnerships with the European Union and the African Union.
This year, Morocco and the EU agreed to strengthen their partnership by renewing their fisheries deal despite maneuvers from the Polisario front to sabotage the accord.
The King also commented on Morocco’s Pan-African gaze. The country’s return to the African Union has helped it to quell any claims which question Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Morocco’s return to the AU bolstered the deflection of hostile moves and limited the AU’s involvement in the conflict.
King Mohammed VI said that his country “maintains its sincere adherence to the political process conducted under the exclusive auspices of the United Nations.”
He also added that Morocco’s position is clear “in terms of its fundamental convictions: the way to achieve the desired settlement can be none other than through Moroccan full sovereignty and within the framework of the autonomy initiative.”
