Biden Unlikely to Reverse US Recognition of Moroccan Sovereignty in Western Sahara, Spain Fears

"This is the impression the [Spanish] government has, as confirmed by various sources consulted, which justifies that the American decision is not that of Trump but that of the United States," writes the Spanish newspaper, stressing that senior Spanish officials do not see Joe Biden reversing the decision made by his predecessor. The recent statements by the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arancha Gonzales Laya, also seem to reinforce this hypothesis.

Before the Spanish Congress of Deputies, she reaffirmed that Spain’s position on the Western Sahara "has not changed" and that it is still based on the "centrality" of the UN-led process to achieve a "lasting and mutually acceptable political solution" to the territorial dispute. She also welcomed the "excellent relations" between Morocco and Spain, describing the kingdom as "a good partner and friend."

According to the explanations of Arancha Gonzales Laya, the efforts of Spanish diplomacy towards the Western Sahara aim to urge the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, to appoint a new personal envoy in the region "as soon as possible." "This position has been vacant for 19 months and we are striving to reach a consensus on the person who will be the UN Special Envoy for the Western Sahara," she said.

The statements of the head of Spanish diplomacy provoked the anger of Spanish deputies who support the Polisario Front. They accuse her department of turning its back on the Sahrawis. In response, Arancha Gonzales Laya stressed that the rights of the "Sahrawi population" are supported by international cooperation. "We are a responsible country that respects its commitments," she added.