Former Spanish PM Zapatero Endorses Morocco’s Sahara Autonomy Plan

"The autonomy plan was proposed to my government in 2007, I publicly supported it in 2008. It was supposed to materialize through the signing of an agreement within the framework of the United Nations, which never happened. I am surprised that we are talking about change and turnaround," Zapatero said in an interview with Cadena Ser. And he added: "Everything depends on the good relationship with Morocco. After 50 years, this could be a good decision. An agreement must be sought and Spanish diplomacy must work on it. This is not a historical change."

To read: Morocco Pressures Spain to Shift Stance on Western Sahara Dispute

The former President of the Spanish Government recalls that the Sahara issue has always been "a major issue for Morocco" and that a solution to this conflict must be found. "We can say that after 50 years without a solution, autonomy seems to me the intelligent thing to do. What does not suit, is the situation of the last 50 years, neither economically, nor socially, nor politically. These positions have led to nothing. Let’s try something else," Zapatero said.

To read: Spain Signals Shift in Western Sahara Policy, Potentially Aligning with Morocco

The position of Spain is a clearly expressed political position in 2008 and today, adds the former president, who specifies that other European countries also support this autonomy plan. "We must be pleased, because we have regained a relationship of full trust with Morocco. I would like the United Nations to put the issue of autonomy back on the table so that a solution can be found to this conflict," he concluded.