In a significant development, French President Macron has officially informed the Moroccan monarch that he considers that the present and future of Western Sahara lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. Picture: Supplied
In a message to the Moroccan Monarch Mohammed VI, French President Emmanuel Macron has officially informed the Sovereign that he “considers that the present and future of Western Sahara lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty”, the Royal Office said in a statement on Tuesday.
In this message, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of Throne Day, the French president reaffirmed “the unwavering position of France on this issue of national security for the Kingdom” and asserted that his country “intends to act in alignment with this position both nationally and internationally”.
Macron stressed that “for France, autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only framework within which this issue shall be resolved. In this regard, the French head of state recalled the unwavering support of his country to the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007”, adding that this plan “constitutes now the only basis to achieve a just, lasting, and negotiated political solution, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.”
“Today, an increasingly broad international consensus is emerging,” noted the French president regarding the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty, emphasising that “France fully plays its part in all relevant fora”, particularly through its support for the efforts of the UN secretary-general and his personal envoy. “It is time to move forward. I therefore encourage all parties to come together for a political settlement, which is within reach,” Macron stated in his message.
Commending Morocco’s efforts to promote the economic and social development of the Sahara, Macron committed to ensuring that “France will support Morocco in this endeavour for the benefit of the local populations”.
This announcement from the French Republic, permanent member of the UN Security Council, marks an important and significant step in supporting Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. It is part of the momentum spurred by King Mohammed VI and supported by numerous countries worldwide, advocating for Morocco’s territorial integrity and the autonomy plan as the exclusive framework for resolving this regional dispute.
The Star