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Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
World
Rabat - Asharq Al-Awsat

Spain Voices Support for Morocco’s Western Sahara Autonomy Plan

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (File Photo/EPA)

Spain said that Morocco's Autonomy Plan is the most serious solution to resolve the Western Sahara conflict, affirming the Spanish government's support for Rabat in this regard.

Addressing the Spanish Congress of Deputies on Wednesday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that his country's support for Morocco stems from Spain’s “genuine desire to contribute actively” to the settlement of this conflict which has lasted too long.

He also affirmed that Spain has taken this decision with the full will to take a step forward towards the settlement of the dispute.

“We are determined to help settle a conflict that has lasted half a century,” he said.

“After many years of conflict and status quo in the negotiation process, the Spanish government considers that the autonomy proposed by Morocco is the basis on which there are more possibilities to build upon a solution to the Sahara issue, Sanchez stressed, noting that his country recognizes the efforts made by the Kingdom in this regard.

Sanchez affirmed that Spain’s position on the Sahara issue falls in line with that of its European partners and many other countries, adding that the European Commission and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs also support Madrid’s decision.

The PM recalled the support voiced by France to Morocco’s proposal for years, in addition to the recent support expressed by Germany to the Moroccan initiative.

The United States continues to express its support for the approach adopted by the Kingdom, he added.

Moreover, Sanchez said all the UN Security Council resolutions since 2007 have welcomed the autonomy plan and the “serious and credible efforts” made by Morocco.

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