France Signals Shift on Western Sahara, Hints at Closer Ties with Morocco

Stéphane Séjourné hinted that the lines will move on the Sahara issue. "I said it while I was there (in Morocco, editor’s note). We have recognized the fact that Morocco is economically developing this area (Sahara). We even went a little further since we are even going to bring in public operators to develop it with them," he said during a special program on France 24 and Radio France Internationale (RFI). And he added: "As for the diplomatic question, it is between the two heads of state that it will be managed and settled."

The French Foreign Minister also explained the reasons for the rupture between France and the Sahel countries, particularly Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. "We left because they wanted us to leave..." Séjourné said, noting that Morocco, "an affirmed regional power", could play a key role in preserving peace and stability in this region. "All of Morocco’s initiatives in the region today are welcome," Séjourné assured, however specifying that it is up to the Moroccans to decide their agreements, but "I believe they have a desire on their side to be able to forge ties with their neighbors."