RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – In the Throne Speech delivered Tuesday evening, King Mohammed VI of Morocco reiterated his outstretched hand to Algeria to resolve the bilateral crisis that has lasted 50 years due to Algeria’s dispute over Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory of Western Sahara.
Mohammed VI affirmed his “unwavering attachment to the policy of outstretched hands towards our brothers in Algeria,” emphasizing Morocco’s continued willingness to engage in a “frank and responsible,” “fraternal and sincere” dialogue on the unresolved issues between the two countries. “The Algerian people are a brotherly people united by centuries-old human and historical ties with the Moroccan people, particularly through language, religion, geography, and a common destiny,” the Sovereign declared, according to the MAP news agency. The King stated that this commitment arises from “the firm conviction we hold within us regarding the unity of our peoples and our common ability to overcome this deplorable situation.” He renewed his call to “build bridges, not walls” and to work for a future in which “reason and the superior interests of both peoples” prevail.
Referring to the construction of the Maghreb Union, Mohammed VI emphasized that it cannot be achieved “without a sincere and joint commitment from Morocco and Algeria,” along with the other states in the region. The Moroccan sovereign also welcomed the positive momentum surrounding the Sahara Autonomy Plan proposed to the UN in 2007 and defined it as “the only realistic solution” to the regional dispute. “We express our thanks and consideration to the friendly United Kingdom and the Portuguese Republic for their constructive positions in support of the Autonomy Proposal, within the framework of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara,” he stated. Finally, Mohammed VI reiterated the need for a “consensual” solution “in which there are neither winners nor losers,” confirming Morocco’s willingness to pursue a peaceful and mutually acceptable outcome. To date, 123 UN member states have recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara or supported the Autonomy Plan, including 24 members of the European Union.
– photo MAP –
(ITALPRESS).
