France Backs UN Process for Negotiated Solution to Western Sahara Dispute

For French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves le Drian, who visited the kingdom last Friday, France has appreciated the work done by the former special envoy and wishes that the process he has initiated can continue in order to find a definitive and negotiated solution to the dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

The minister’s position was expressed on Saturday during a joint press conference following talks with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.

Jean-Yves le Drian reiterated his country’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, which, according to him, is "a serious and credible basis for a negotiated solution".

It should be noted that last month, Horst Kohler presented his resignation to the UN Secretary-General for health reasons. His replacement should be known by the end of the year.