Geopolitical Game in Western Sahara: UK Expresses Support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan for Western Sahara

On June 1st, the UK expressed support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara in an effort to resolve the dispute over the territory. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the UK "believes that Morocco's autonomy proposal submitted in 2007 is the most credible, feasible, and pragmatic foundation for a lasting resolution of the dispute." Algeria immediately expressed its regret, saying, "We are sorry about the UK's decision to support Morocco's autonomy plan."

During a joint press conference with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that reaching a political solution on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Western Sahara war was indeed practical. However, his precondition was that the UK's support for Morocco's position was part of the UN's efforts to seek a conflict resolution, urging all parties involved to "urgently and constructively engage in this political process."

In fact, the British government has consistently referred to Western Sahara as a "territory with undetermined status" and supported "the efforts of the United Nations to achieve a lasting and mutually acceptable political solution that ensures the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara."

Last July 30th, after France expressed support for Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, Algeria announced the "immediate recall" of its ambassador to France.

French President Emmanuel Macron sent a letter to King Mohammed VI of Morocco on the 30th, stating that Paris recognizes Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, considering it "the only foundation of a correct, lasting, and negotiated political solution consistent with UN resolutions." The Moroccan royal family welcomed Macron's remarks in the letter, calling it "an important step in supporting Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara." Macron's statement indicated a "historic change" in France's stance on the sovereignty issue of Western Sahara.

However, relations between France and Algeria have deteriorated due to Morocco.

Western Sahara, located in northwest Africa, is a former Spanish colony and a disputed region. Morocco and the Polisario Front fought over the归属 of Western Sahara for more than ten years; in 1991, under UN mediation, a ceasefire agreement was reached. The same year, the UN Security Council passed a resolution to establish the MINURSO to monitor the ceasefire and organize a referendum in Western Sahara when feasible in the future.

The Polisario Front, also known as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el-Hamra and Río de Oro (Polisario), is a political-military organization dedicated to achieving full independence for Western Sahara.

Source: rfi

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833779525586952/

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