The Moroccan authorities expelled from Laâyoune on Saturday two Spanish activists, members of the National Coordination of Solidarity Associations with the Sahara (CEAS-Sahara), and a Spanish journalist who intended to carry out an information mission on the human rights situation in the Moroccan Sahara.
The Moroccan authorities expelled on Saturday from the Sahara a delegation of Spanish jurists who wished to inquire about the human rights situation in this territory under Moroccan sovereignty.
The expulsion by Morocco of European deputies who wanted to enter Laâyoune last week is not to the liking of Podemos. The Spanish party is seizing the European Union (EU).
Nasser Bourita, the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, described as a "provocation" the attempt by three European deputies to enter the city of Laâyoune as part of an observation mission, without fulfilling the required formalities. This led to their expulsion by the Moroccan authorities.
Isa Serra (Podemos, Spain), Catarina Martins (Bloco de Esqueda, Portugal) and Jussi Sáramo (Left Alliance, Finland), the three European MPs expelled from the Moroccan Sahara last week, are calling on the European Union to impose sanctions against Morocco.
Gérard Larcher, President of the French Senate, announced on Monday from Laâyoune that France will open a consulate in the Moroccan Sahara. A statement that reinforces Paris’ position on the Moroccanness of the Sahara.
The Moroccan authorities decided, on Thursday, to expel four members of the European Parliament as well as two accompanying persons, following an unauthorized attempt to enter Laâyoune. This action has been described as "provocative" by the authorities.
China is sharpening its interest in the Moroccan Sahara. The Asian giant would like to make significant investments in the southern provinces and could even open a consulate in Laayoune.
The Algerian press reacted strongly to the visit of the French ambassador to Laâyoune and Dakhla, in the Moroccan Sahara.
Christophe Lecourtier, the French ambassador to Morocco, is making a visit to the Sahara region. This trip, described as "historic" by many Moroccan media, began on November 11 and will end on November 13.
Morocco expelled on Monday two Norwegian activists from the Sahara. This expulsion comes only 48 hours after that of two Norwegian researchers who were conducting an investigation into renewable energy projects.
France is considering opening a general consulate and a French cultural institute in the city of Laâyoune in the Moroccan Sahara, making it the first European country to establish a diplomatic representation in this region.