Morocco restated its commitment to finding a political solution to the Western Sahara issue. And called on Algeria and the Poliasrio to take their responsibility to the outcome seriously. Moroccan Interior Minister, Chakib Benmoussa invited Algeria to be an active contributor in the negotiations. Minister Benmoussa recalled that UN Security Council has called up all the parties to work with the UN and among themselves using the peace process created by the Moroccan Initiative.
Morocco was ceded the Sahara in 1975 under the Madrid Accord. Algerian backed Polisario laid claims to the area in 1976.
Moroccan Foreign Minister Taieb Fassi Fihri mentioned during the third round of the negotiations that the true choice is not between a referendum with independence as an option and autonomy. The real opportunity for settlement lies with autonomy and remaining status quo.
Mr. Fassi Fihri stated that the Moroccan position is democratic and in line with international legality and standards in the area. He pointed out that Morocco has made real efforts and progress. He hopes that the party will adhere to the process and accepts its responsibility. If the other party continues in its intransigence, it will be held responsible by the peoples of the areas and the international community.
The chair of the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs (CORCAS), Mr. Khalihenna Ould Errachid, condemned the double talk being made by the Polisario. It makes belligerent remarks and at the same time, with talks of appeasement. Thus causing confusion with its position. Mr. Errachid stated that the has held on to illusions that will crumble, mainly that referendum would be held. This proved to be inapplicable even after admission to the UN. Separatist movement sthought that the autonomy proposal was only a maneuver and did include all the Saharwis, only the Polisario. Chairman Errachid pointed that in reality all movements are allowed participate in negotiations.
The Polisario has threatened to restart the armed conflict again if the solution does not include independence. Morocco responded to statements made by the Polisario by stressing that it will not tolerate such threats. Moroccan Intelligence head, Mohamed Yassine Mansouri denounced such provocations as well as the recent attempt to change the status quo in the buffer zone. Moroccan Foreign Minister emphasized that Morocco nor the talks will be held in ransom to such belligerent statements.
Topics that were dicussed during the third round were mainly centered around the implementation of the provisions of the two UN Security Council resolutions. Mr. Fassi Fihri stressed the need for the UN facilitator to make clear the interpretation of the UN resolutions and to consider Morocco’s autonomy plan. Discussion in this round were deeper in terms of examining the sensitive topics of human rights, freedoms, and confidence building measures.
Mr. Ould Errachid pointed out that Morocco and the Southern Provinces enjoy a large freedom of thought and expression that even benefits the Polisario. Human rights issues lie with the other party in the Tindouf camps. Interior Minister commented that Morocco has tried to create a good atmosphere for the talks and believes in a solution will be found in the framework of the UN. The next round of talks will be March following a visit by Mr. Walsum to Morocco Sahara area.
by Carole Morris
