During a visit by Mauritian Liberal Party members, Chairman Ahmed Ould Domane voiced his party’s support for the autonomy proposal for the Western Sahara as suggested by Morocco. He complimented Morocco and said its offer could put an end to the 32 year dispute.
Mr. Domane described it as a serious and encouraging initiative and called it the most suitable solution. He said that the ongoing dispute impeded the progress of the edification of the Arab Maghreb Union, a union including Tunsia, Mauritania, Morocco, Libya and Algeria.
The Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, was ceded to Morocco in 1975 under the Madrid Accords. Its eastern neighbor, Algeria, however, backs the Polisario’s sovereignty claim to the region and its bid for independence. Secretary General of Labor and Unity Party, Mohamed Ouled Bah voiced his support for the Moroccan initiative calling it a constructive solution.
Leader of the Popular Congress, Mohamadou Ouled Biadth, said his party considers Morocco’s proposal as a tool to better the relations and understanding between the counties of the Arab Maghreb Union. He advised all the countries to get involved to bring a viable solution to the issue.
Morocco and the Polisario will have another round of talks in January. Mr. Biadth noted that the negotiations move forward if they are based on Morocco’s offer of autonomy. He also pointed out that they are doomed if the Polisario sticks to its petty stances.
…more on Western Sahara
by Carole Morris
