UK Backs Morocco’s Western Sahara Plan, Sparking Algerian Criticism

"In eighteen years of existence, this plan has never been submitted to the Sahrawis as a basis for negotiation, nor has it ever been taken seriously by the UN Envoys who have succeeded in this position," and who have all noted "the emptiness of the Moroccan autonomy initiative and its inability to offer a serious and credible solution to the Western Sahara conflict," states the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press release.

In the eyes of Algerian diplomacy, the Moroccan autonomy plan "has never been intended to serve as a basis for a political settlement of this conflict." According to them, this plan aims to "occupy space to prevent any search for a serious settlement, to allow Morocco to buy time and to gradually accustom the international community to the fait accompli of the illegal occupation of Western Sahara."

The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that "the United Kingdom has neither mentioned nor supported the alleged Moroccan sovereignty over the territory of Western Sahara and therefore does not endorse the illegal occupation of this non-self-governing territory in the sense of international legality." It also notes that the British Secretary of State "publicly and solemnly" reaffirmed at a press conference "the United Kingdom’s commitment to the principle of the right to self-determination."

And to conclude: "In view of this double particularity of the new British position on the Western Sahara issue, Algeria hopes that, in its capacity as a permanent member of the Security Council, the United Kingdom will continue to hold Morocco accountable for its international responsibilities and will also continue to ensure respect for international legality and in particular the United Nations doctrine on decolonization."